Pelican Press

Indian CubeSat to Travel to the Moon Soon on ********* Lander Indian CubeSat to Travel to the Moon Soon on ********* Lander In a new partnership between India and Japan, an Indian CubeSat is set to accompany a ********* lunar lander to orbit the Moon. HEX20Labs India Private Limited has announced a collaborative mission with the ********* firm ispace, intending to launch a CubeSat aboard one of ispace’s lunar landers in an upcoming mission. The agreement, signed by HEX20Labs’ Co-Founder and CEO Lloyd Jacob Lopez and ispace’s Founder and CEO Takeshi Hakamada in Milan, marks a significant step in extending Indian satellite operations beyond Earth’s orbit. As per official report by ispace, the CubeSat will be built by HEX20Labs, aiming to conduct scientific research and technological trials in cislunar space, further integrating India’s technological contributions into international lunar missions. ispace has multiple lunar landing ventures planned, but details on which mission will include HEX20Labs’ CubeSat remain undisclosed. Mission Details The mission, according to ispace, will help accelerate lunar exploration by standardising satellite platforms and interfaces necessary for effective operations in cislunar space. “Standardisation of satellite and its interfaces are essential to accelerate cislunar space activities,” said Takeshi Hakamada, Founder & CEO of ispace. This collaboration with HEX20Labs, he added, aligns with these goals. In addition to HEX20Labs, the partnership also includes Skyroot Aerospace, an Indian aerospace company noted for launching India’s first private rocket in 2022, adding another key player to this international mission. Japan’s Lunar Endeavours and Future Prospects Japan’s recent lunar success, including the precise landing by its Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) in January 2024, demonstrates significant advancements in lunar exploration, which are anticipated to benefit the current project. ispace’s upcoming Mission 2, expected to launch in December 2024, involves a 1000 kg lander named Resilience, along with a small rover, Tenacious, aimed at exploring the Mare Frigoris region. Source link #Indian #CubeSat #Travel #Moon #********* #Lander Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

England vs South *******: Behind the Springboks’ scrum England vs South *******: Behind the Springboks’ scrum Crouch, bind, set. No nation personifies that process more than the world champions. Over the past five years, the golden generation of South ******* forwards have developed arguably the most formidable and feared scrum in rugby. The development of the now famous ‘***** Squad’ before the 2019 World Cup played a huge role, but their scrum runs deeper and has been part of their culture for decades. “What South ******* do and we have always believed is that the scrum is an area where you can enforce yourself,” 2007 World Cup winner BJ Botha told BBC Sport. “That is where we are legally allowed to be physical and manhandle players, which will hopefully overflow into other moments on the field. When we scrum, we scrum to dominate.” Paarl Boys’ High School are one the powerhouses of schoolboy rugby in South *******, drawing in a crowd of 25,000 last year for a match against rivals Paarl Gimnasium, and helped develop current Springboks props Thomas du Toit and Frans Malherbe. Gurthro Steenkamp, another member of South *******’s 2007 World Cup-winning squad, also played his schoolboy rugby there and has seen a shift towards the set-piece at an early age. “South ******* are putting a massive emphasis on the development of props and especially the scrum,” La Rochelle scrum coach Steenkamp added. “At my former school they start to give attention at the age of 14 and 15 to the finer techniques, so they are prepared for the ages of 15 and 16 when they have a proper contest in the scrum.” Scrumming is one of few things that is restricted until ****** rugby, with teams only allowed to push a maximum of 1.5 metres in school. Botha worked as a forwards coach at Paarl Boys’ High School from 2021-2023 and now works with schools and teams on a consultancy basis to supply specialist coaching and analysis. Rather than wait until they are old enough to go full bore at scrum time, props in the schoolboy system are trained beyond their years. “It is a very fine balance that is regulated by the unions and referees who are doing it in a controlled manner, so we have these specialist positions coming through the system,” Botha added. “South ******* are just doing that better as they want specialists coming through.” The edge is not just at schoolboy level but also now the highest level. Source link #England #South #******* #Springboks #scrum Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Coles is latest major corporate to pull back on working from home Coles is latest major corporate to pull back on working from home Another major *********** corporation is ordering staff back into the office, in another sign the pandemic-era work from home norm is changing. Source link #Coles #latest #major #corporate #pull #working #home Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Iran executes in public a serial ******* convicted in dozens of cases Iran executes in public a serial ******* convicted in dozens of cases TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — An Iranian man convicted of ******* dozens of women over the past two decades has been ********* in public, the country’s state media reported on Wednesday. The state-owned IRAN newspaper said Mohammad Ali Salamat was hanged after Iran’s Supreme Court confirmed his ****** sentence earlier in October. He was put to ****** at dawn Tuesday in a ********* in the western city of Hamedan. Some 200 women had accused Salamat, a 43-year old who ran a pharmacy and a gym in the city, of *****. He is said to have committed the ******* over the past 20 years. Reports by Iranian media said that in many of the cases, Salamat ****** his victims after proposing marriage or dating them. He allegedly provided some with ********* pills, which are ******** in Iran. He was arrested in January in what was the biggest number of ***** case ever attributed to a single offender in Iran. Following his arrest, hundreds of people gathered at the city’s justice department, demanding capital punishment for Salamat. U.N. experts said in September that Iran is among the world’s top countries that carry out executions. Increasing number of executions in Iran has prompted an outcry by human rights groups. ***** and adultery are among offences in Iran punishable by ******. In 2005, Iran publicly hanged a 24-year-old man who ****** and ******* 20 children. In 1997, authorities hanged a 28-year-old man for kidnapping, ******* and ******** nine ****** and women in Tehran. Source link #Iran #executes #public #serial #******* #convicted #dozens #cases Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

4 Reasons Why Henry Cavill’s Warhammer 40k Army Will Get You in Deep Trouble 4 Reasons Why Henry Cavill’s Warhammer 40k Army Will Get You in Deep Trouble Henry Cavill is a big fan of the universe of Warhammer 40K. He loves to engross himself in the game’s universe. His army from the universe of the games are honorable warriors. Henry Cavill talks highly of Custodes from Warhammer 40K. Image Credit: Geeked via Still Watching Netflix YT However, being an honorable warrior in the Warhammer 40K universe is just not enough due to the wide array of creatures and other clans that persist there, and if you place your bets on Cavill’s custodes, you are in for deep trouble. Here are 4 reasons why Cavil’s army lacks tenacity. 4. Custodes Have Limited Combat Ability Custodes ******* to adapt to new combat techniques. Image Credit: bachzim Custodes have become a relic of the past; their combat ability has rusted with time as they ******* to evolve, becoming obsolete. They were considered one of the most ferocious armies before, but their rigidity in adapting to the changing times did not do them well. Centuries of isolation have dulled their spark and reduced their combat abilities, which makes them a bad choice to place your bets on in war. They are not as skilled as they used to be, and it has been years since they last took over the general command. 3. They Have Limited Combined Warfare Ability They fail to combine artillery and use it to their advantage. Image Credit: bachzim Custodes were considered lone wolves in the past, but the recent lore sheds revealed that they did ****** in groups, coordinating with one another and safeguarding each other’s ****** spots. However, despite having multiple weapons, aircraft, and other artillery, they ******* to put these to good use. They are often seen fighting together in a group of 5-20 without using the support of other weapons that they have, which makes them less likely to win a ******. 2. Their Introspection Is Their Biggest ****** Warhammer 40k’s recent lore sheds more light on Custodes’ dying relevance. mage Credit: Games Workshop An excerpt from Vaults of Terra: Warhammer 40,000 Book 3 sheds light on why Custodes’ introspective nature seems to be doing them more harm than good. It reads, ‘So cautious. Still observing, still calculating. Was this their weakness? Spinoza wondered. Was this why they had hidden away for so long, sheltering in obscurity? That they had lost their decisiveness over the wearing course of millennia?’ Wraight, Chris. The Dark City (Vaults of Terra: Warhammer 40,000 Book 3) (p. 287) 1. They Are New to Void Warfare Void travel is something Custodes lack in. Image Credit: Warhammer 40K wiki fandom Custodes do not fare well with interstellar travel and void warfare, and it is largely due to their inability to adapt to the changing times. They have always had a human general command their fleet, and they are useless when left on their own accord. This by large makes them quite weaker than some of the other warrior clans in the game who have managed to evolve with changing times and have only risen in power. Even the tactical and strategic outlook toward war has changed a lot over the millennia. Custodes were in fact ferocious and honorable warriors once, but that time is so long lost that their greatness often only exists in the history books now. What do you think about it? Let us know in the comments below. Source link #Reasons #Henry #Cavills #Warhammer #40k #Army #Deep #Trouble Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Postelection euphoria takes a breather Postelection euphoria takes a breather Employees work at the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), operated by Japan Exchange Group Inc. (JPX), in Tokyo, Japan, on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images This report is from today’s CNBC Daily Open, our international markets newsletter. CNBC Daily Open brings investors up to speed on everything they need to know, no matter where they are. Like what you see? You can subscribe here. What you need to know today U.S. and Asia markets slipU.S. markets retreated on Wednesday after a week of postelection enthusiasm. The S&P 500 dropped 0.29% and the Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.09%, snapping a five-day winning streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average pulled back 0.86%. ****** markets also tracked the losses on Wall Street, with South Korea’s Kospi leading losses and falling over 2%. Bearish outlook for oilOil prices could hit as low as $30 to $40 a barrel in the event that oil alliance OPEC+ unwinds its existing output cuts, said market watchers who are predicting a bearish year ahead for crude. At $40, the price would represent a drop of around 40% compared to current prices. Brent is currently trading at $72 a barrel, while U.S. WTI futures are around $68 per barrel. Softbank-backed Swiggy makes stellar India debutShares of Indian food delivery giant Swiggy soared as much as 15% on their trading debut Wednesday after completing the country’s second-largest IPO this year. Swiggy, which is backed by SoftBank, raised 113.27 billion Indian rupees ($1.34 billion) in its IPO that closed Monday. The IPO was reportedly oversubscribed more than three times. Bitcoin briefly touches $90,000Bitcoin touched the $90,000 mark on Tuesday, just two days after breaching the $80,000 mark. The cryptocurrency, however, later retreated from that high, last trading at $86,895.50 on Wednesday morning, according to Coin Metrics. Its price is expected by many investors to continue making fresh records on its way to $100,000 later this year. 3 stocks to buy following Trump winMorgan Stanley’s Aaron Dunn, portfolio manager at Morgan Stanley’s U.S. Value Fund, identified three stocks he is ******** on following U.S. president elect’s Donald Trump’s election win, adding that markets now are seeing a “great deal of volatility” following the election result, and are repricing “what had been a 50/50 election.” The bottom line After Trump won the election, the S&P and Nasdaq recorded winning sessions for five consecutive days. That streak ended on Wednesday. While it’s ********** to say that the postelection rally has come to an end, it certainly has taken a pause. According to Siebert chief investment officer Mark Malek, this could be because stocks may have already gotten ahead of themselves even before Trump won a second term last week. Now that the market has removed the overhang of the election, some of the core economic headwinds that have lingered are coming back to the forefront, he added. “What’s driving today’s trade is maybe a little bit of exhaustion,” Malek told CNBC. Postelection euphoria may soon give way to cold, hard, economic data. Investors are eagerly anticipating October inflation readings, out Wednesday. According to a Reuters poll of economists, the consumer price index is expected to climb to 2.6%, its first rise in six months. However, core inflation is still expected to hold steady at 3.3%. — CNBC’s Brian Evans and Alex Harring contributed to this report. Source link #Postelection #euphoria #takes #breather Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The best webcams for 2024 The best webcams for 2024 If you’re a remote worker, or even work remotely part-time, you can step up your video conference game by investing in a good webcam. Built-in cameras on laptops and desktops have improved in recent years, but you typically still get higher quality and more personalized controls with an external webcam. And if you plan on video chatting with friends across the country or game-streaming regularly, you’ll want the best webcam experience possible. But there’s a lot of junk out there, as is typical in an overcrowded space. In this buying guide, we’ll ***** into the best webcams that will help you look sharp, no matter where you’re dialing in from. Factors to consider before buying a webcam Resolution and field of view While some newer computers have 1080p webcams, most built-in cameras have a resolution of 720p, so you’ll want to look for an external webcam that has a higher resolution. FHD webcams will give you better video quality; ideally, you’re looking for something that can handle 1080p at 60fps or 30fps. If you’re considering a cheap 720p webcam, make sure to get one that supports at least 30fps (most will) or, even better, 60fps. However, if your primary concern is better picture quality during video calls, 1080p is the way to go. Some webcams can ****** in 4K, but that’s overkill for most people. Not to mention most video conferencing services like Zoom, Google Meet and Skype don’t even support 4K video. When it comes to streaming, Twitch maxes out at 1080p video, but YouTube added 4K live streaming back in 2016. Ultimately, with 4K webcam shots having such limited use, most people can get by with a solid 1080p camera. Field of view (FOV) controls how much can fit in the frame when you’re recording. Most webcams I tested had a default field of view of around 78 degrees, which captured me and enough of my background to prove that I really need to organize my home office. On cheaper webcams you’ll usually see narrower fields of view (around 60 degrees), and those aren’t necessarily bad. They won’t show as much of your background, but that also means you won’t be able to squeeze as many friends or family members into frame when you’re having Zoom birthday parties. On the flip side, more expensive webcams may let you adjust the field of view to be even wider than average, and some even offer features like digital zoom. Valentina Palladino / Engadget Autofocus and other “auto” features Webcams with autofocus will keep the image quality sharp without much work on your part. You should be able to move around, step back and forth, and remain in focus the whole time. Some standalone webcam models let you manually adjust focus, too, if you have specific needs. Devices with fixed focus are less convenient, but they tend to be more affordable. In the same vein is auto framing, a feature that some high-end webcams now offer. Similarly to Apple’s Center Stage feature, the camera automatically adjusts to keep you in the center of the frame even as you move around. This used to be a feature only available on the most premium webcams, but now you can find it on sub-$200 devices. You’ll also see other “auto” features listed in webcam specs, most notably auto light correction. This will adjust the camera’s settings to make up for a dimly lit room. If you don’t have bright lights, or often take calls in places where you can’t control the lighting, this feature will be valuable. Alternatively, you might consider using your mirrorless camera as a high-quality webcam solution, taking all of the benefits and features with you (albeit in a cumbersome package). Microphones Most webcams have built-in microphones that, depending on your setup, might end up being closer to you than your computer’s own mics. Check to see if the model you’re considering has mono or stereo mics, as the latter is better. Some even use noise-reduction technology to keep your voice loud and clear. While audiophiles and streamers will want to invest in a standalone microphone, most others can get by using a webcam’s built-in mic. Design There aren’t a ton of fascinating breakthroughs when it comes to external webcam design. Most are round or rectangular devices that clip onto a monitor or your laptop screen. Some have the ability to swivel or ****** onto a tripod stand and others can simply sit on your desk beside your computer. But unless you really like having people stare up your nose, the latter isn’t ideal. We recommend clipping your webcam to your monitor and ensuring that it’s at or slightly above eye level. A few webcams go above and beyond by adding hardware extras like built-in lights and lens covers, too. The former can help you stand out in a dark room, while the latter makes it so hackers can’t view you through your webcam without your knowledge. Price Most external webcams that are just good enough to be a step up from your computer’s built-in camera cost between $60 and $150. If the webcam has the same resolution as the internal one on your laptop, you should look out for other specs like auto light correction, a wider field of view or an extra-long connecting cable that can provide a step-up in quality or ease of use. Spending $150 or more means you might get advanced features that tend to be present in a pro webcam like 4K resolution, vertical and horizontal recording options, stereo mics, customizable video settings and more. But unless you’re spending hours on video calls each day or streaming multiple times each week, you can settle on a budget webcam and safely skip most of those high-end options. How we test webcams We primarily test webcams by putting them through as much real-world use as possible. We examine their design, how flexible they are and how easy they are to reposition, and make note of how heavy they are and if that affects their ability to stay put while sitting on top of a screen. We use each webcam for at least a week straight as our primary camera for all video chats, and we make sure to use the device in different lighting environments to test low-light performance. We also use any built-in microphones as our primary audio inputs on video calls as well. Finally, although most of these webcams are plug-and-play, we test out any proprietary software that’s intended to work with each webcam, tweaking things like field of view, video resolution and effects, and using any special features like Show Mode on Logitech webcams. Best webcams for 2024 Logitech Resolution: up to 1080p | Mic: Yes | Software support: Yes | Features: auto-light correction, Show Mode, RightSight, built-in lens cover The Logitech Brio 500 is essentially an upgraded version of the beloved C920s HD Pro. It shoots the same quality of video — up to 1080p 30fps — but it has a wider field of view, an upgraded zoom, improved auto-light correction, a better mic array and a USB-C connecting cable that offers overall better performance. The biggest difference I noticed in testing the Brio 500 was the improved light correction. My home office can feel very *****-like when the blinds are shut or when it’s raining, but you wouldn’t know it when on a video call with me. Logitech’s RightLight 4 technology does a great job of brightening the whole shot when you’re in a dim or dark environment. This Logitech webcam works with the LogiTune software, which lets you customize camera settings like field of view, autofocus, contrast, brightness and more, plus lets you enable Show Mode and RightSight features. The former lets you present things on your desk just by tilting the camera down while the latter will automatically keep you in frame during calls even if you move around. RightSight works much like Apple’s Center Stage feature does on iOS devices, and most people will likely get more use out of this feature than Show Mode. If you prefer to keep things more consistent (or control how much of your background is visible), you can choose from 90-, 78- or 65-degree field of views instead of enabling RightSight. Logitech also updated the design of the Brio 500. It’s made of recycled plastic and it comes in three different colors that you can match to other Logitech peripherals. The camera attaches magnetically to its base and it easily swivels from side to side when you need to adjust its position, plus it has a built-in lens cover for extra privacy when you’re not using it. Overall, it has the best mix of essential features and handy extras of any webcam we tested. But $130 might be a lot for some people to spend on a webcam. We think it’s worth it if you’re primarily a hybrid or remote worker, but there is a cheaper option for those with tight budgets. The Logitech Brio 300 has many of the same core features as the Brio 500: 1080p resolution, auto light correction, a built-in privacy shutter and USB-C connectivity. However, you won’t get HDR support, an adjustable field of view, Show Mode or omnidirectional mics (although it does have a noise-reducing microphone of its own). It’s a pared-down version of the Brio 500 and it’ll only cost you $70. ***** 1080p/30fps video recording Wider field of view Improved auto-light correction Works with LogiTune software for customizations ***** A tad on the expensive side $100 at Amazon Photo by Valentina Palladino / Engadget Resolution: up to 2K | Mic: Yes | Software support: Yes | Features: autofocus, built-in lens cover, dual stereo mics, omnidirectional vocal pickup Anker’s cube-like PowerConf C200 webcam has has a lot of the same perks as our top pick, and it’s one of the best budget webcams out there thanks to its $60 price tag. Setup is equally as easy as it was for out top pick – just plug it into your computer or docking station and start using it. You can download the AnkerWork software to edit things like brightness, sharpness and contrast ratio, but I just kept all the defaults. You’re also able to control the camera’s resolution and field of view with this software, too. The C200 webcam defaults to a 2K resolution, but you can bring it down to 1080p, 720p or even 360p if you wish. Same goes for field of view: The default is 95 degrees, but I bumped mine down to 78 degrees to spare my colleagues a wider view of my messy home office. I was immediately impressed with the C200’s video quality: 2K is likely more than most people need (1080p should do just fine), but the extra sharpness and clarity is a nice touch. The webcam’s autofocus is quite fast, and its larger f/2.0 aperture captures more light so you stay illuminated even in darker settings. In addition to a built-in lens cover that you can slide closed for privacy, the C200 has dual stereo mics that actually do a good job of capturing your voice loud and clear. You can also choose directional or omnidirectional vocal pickup in the AnkerWork settings, with the latter being better if you have multiple people speaking on your end. My biggest complaints about the C200 webcam are that it’s a bit cumbersome to adjust its angle when it’s perched on your screen. Unlike most webcams, Anker’s doesn’t have a short neck of sorts that connects the camera to its adjustable base – it’s just one, chunky piece of plastic that I had to use both hands to adjust. Also, the C200 comes with a USB cable that’s much shorter than others. This won’t be a problem if you’re connecting the webcam directly to your laptop, but it’s not as flexible if you have a standing desk converter or a more complicated setup that requires long cables. ***** Up to 2K video recording Dual stereo mics Works with AnkerWork software for customizations Fairly affordable ***** Short connecting cable Can be finicky to reposition on top of your screen $60 at Amazon Razer Resolution: up to 4K | Mic: Yes | Software support: Yes | Features: background blurring, face-tracking autofocus, physical shutter Razer built the Kiyo Pro Ultra as the ultimate video streaming webcam and that’s immediately apparent as soon as you take the webcam out of the box. It’s huge. Its circular frame measures three inches in diameter and about two inches thick. It follows the design language of other Kiyo webcams, but it’s definitely the biggest of the bunch and that’s probably because Razer stuffed a lot into this peripheral. It has the biggest sensor of any Kiyo webcam (1/1.2 inches to be exact), and the company claims it’s the largest in any webcam, *******. The Pro Ultra has a F/1.7 aperture lens as well, which lets in a ton of light and results in a super crisp image. It certainly delivered the best quality image of all the webcams I tested, which isn’t a surprise since it can capture raw 4k/30fps (or 1080p/60fps) footage. Streamers will not only appreciate the high quality image coming from this high-resolution cam, but also its HDR support, tasteful background blurring and face-tracking autofocus that swiftly transitions from zeroing-in on their face to whatever object they may be showing off to their viewers. It works with Razer’s Synapse software, too, so you can customize your image to your liking, tweaking things like zoom, pan, tilt, ISO and shutter speed. Just know that Synapse only works on Windows devices, so you’ll be stuck with default settings if you’re on macOS or Linux. The Kiyo Pro Ultra is compatible with Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) and XSplit, so most streamers will be able to unbox it and get right to producing content. We also appreciate that you can twist the camera’s frame to physically shutter the lens, giving you more privacy when you need it. Undoubtedly, the Kiyo Pro Ultra is one of the most powerful webcams we tried out and it may even be overkill for streamers just starting out (our final pick might be better for those folks), but serious and professional content creators will love the quality video and customization options they get. If you want a similar level of quality and the ability to tweak settings on a Mac, Elgato’s Facecam Pro is a good alternative webcam. It costs the same as the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra, can record video at 4K/60fps and its Camera Hub software works on macOS and Windows. ***** Superior image quality (up to 4K/30fps) Face-tracking autofocus Works with OBS and XSplit out of the box $300 at Razer Photo by Valentina Palladino / Engadget Resolution: 1080p | Mic: Yes | Software support: Yes | Features: Auto exposure, noise reduction Of all the webcams I tested, I had the most fun using Logitech’s Streamcam. While it’s a bit weird to say I “had fun” with such an innocuous piece of tech, I found the Streamcam to be remarkable in many ways. First and foremost, the video quality is excellent, coming in at a sharp 1080p/60fps. Details in my clothing came through much better and, whether I liked it or not, so did some of the texture on my skin. The Streamcam was also one of the best video streaming webcams I tested when it came to ****** reproduction. All of those perks remain the same even when you’re ********* in low-light conditions. The Streamcam’s auto-exposure feature made up for the darkness in my office on gloomy days with excellent low-light performance. And it has the best kind of autofocus — the kind that you never notice in action. The dual omnidirectional mics inside the Logitech Streamcam delivered my voice loud and clear during video calls. If you stream often and find yourself without an external mic, it’s nice to know that you could get by with the Streamcam’s built-in ones in a pinch. The microphones also have noise reduction to keep your voice font and center. As far as design goes, the Streamcam is a bit larger than your standard cam. It’s a chunky almost-square that can easily be positioned on a monitor or mounted on a tripod, and a unique feature of its design is its ability to ****** either vertically or horizontally. I kept mine in the standard 16:9 format, but some content creators and streamers who post to social media often will like the 9:16 format that’s best for Instagram and TikTok. Logitech also made sure the Streamcam was optimized for OBS, XSplit and Streamlabs, so you can use it directly out of the box for your next live session. ***** Up to 1080p/60fps video recording Good low-light performance Can ****** vertical and horizontal video Works with OBS, XSplit and Streamlabs out of the box ***** Non-removable connecting cable $150 at Amazon Photo by Sam Rutherford / Engadget Resolution: 4K | Mic: Yes | Software support: Yes | Features: Auto-exposure, auto white balance, noise reduction, and autofocus Everything about the MX Brio Ultra feels premium, from its sleek aluminum housing to its magnetic mounting clop to the twisting lens cover that gives you more privacy when you need it. This webcam uses a Sony Starvis sensor to record video at up to 4k/30fps, which is more than most people will need but provides a noticeable boost in video quality. The MX Brio also has better dynamic range and low-light sensitivity, making it a great option for someone like me, whose home office can get pretty *****-like on a rainy day. The mounting clip sturdily attaches to a laptop screen or monitor, but it can be removed as well if you prefer a tripod mount. But the clip is also flexible enough for you to vertically angle the camera downward to activate Logitech’s Show Mode, which lets you more easily show off what’s on your desk while on a video call. That, plus the built-in lens cover, are two stand-out features on the MX Brio Ultra (aside from the stellar image quality), and Logitech even gives you the option to customize your video using companion software that has brightness, contrast, field of view and other adjusters. Admittedly, a lot of these perks are nice-to-haves rather than necessities; we’d recommend the MX Brio Ultra only to those who spend more time on video calls than not, or anyone who has a deep love for the MX lineup of productivity accessories. ***** Shoots 40k/30fps video Sturdy yet flexible mount clip Attractive and premium design Built-in twisting lens cover Works with Logitech Show Mode $200 at Amazon Elgato Resolution: 1080p | Mic: No | Software support: Yes | Features: HDR, built-in lens cover, pan-tilt-zoom Elgato made a few important upgrades in the new Facecam MK.2: it now supports HDR, a slightly wider field of view and a new pan-tilt-zoom feature that can either keep you in the center of the frame at all times or move the camera to follow you as you point to a whiteboard beside you. The latest model supports 1080p/60fps video recording and it has a built-in lens cover that you can slide out from the side when you’re not using the peripheral. Video quality is pretty good, with natural colors, good detail and decent lighting regardless of the available illumination in your space. In addition to its solid overall quality, streamers will appreciate the level of control Elgato’s Camera Hub software provides over things like white balance, exposure, contrast and more, and the fact that the Facecam MK.2 integrates seamlessly with the Steam Deck. ***** Records 1080p/30fps video Pan-tilt-zoom feature Camera Hub software gives you a lot of control Integrates with Steam Deck $150 at Amazon Others webcams we tested Logitech C920s Pro HD Our previous top pick, the Logitech C920s Pro HD webcam ******** a solid option for those with less than $100 to spend and really only need a basic 1080p camera to upgrade their setup, or something affordable to make them look better on those inevitable Zoom calls. It has a 78-degree field of view, decent microphones and handy privacy shutter built in. The Brio 500 took the top spot away from this model thanks to its advanced light correction, auto-framing and Show Mode. Source link #webcams Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

With Trump’s win, student debt relief is in question. Here’s what to know. With Trump’s win, student debt relief is in question. Here’s what to know. President Joe Biden made student loan forgiveness a central issue to his administration, rolling out efforts to forgive debt as well as to lower repayments for millions of borrowers. But with President-elect Donald Trump returning to the White House in January, the future of those efforts is now in question. During the presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump described Mr. Biden’s efforts to forgive student borrowers as “a total catastrophe.” While he hasn’t explicitly addressed his plans for student loans, he’s called for eliminating the Department of Education, which manages the $1.6 trillion federal student loan portfolio. It’s unclear which agency or group would manage those loans if the Education Department were to be eliminated, a step that would require approval from Congress. The Trump campaign didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment about Trump’s plans for student debt relief. What is a college grad’s life without debt? 07:31 There’s a lot on the line for the 46 million Americans who hold $1.7 trillion in student loans, a financial burden that about half of borrowers say has impacted their life choices, delaying home purchases or starting their families, according to a 2021 Morning Consult study. Mr. Biden’s term is drawing to an end with two of his key relief efforts tied up in the courts, adding to the uncertainty about what Trump’s second presidency will mean for those plans. “We know what is in Project 2025, and we know what we saw in the first Trump administration,” Persis Yu, managing counsel for the Student Borrower Protection Center, an advocacy group for people with student loans. “We just should be very concerned about what the next administration will mean for borrowers.” The next Trump administration may be unlikely to continue the Biden administration’s effort to ****** against ongoing lawsuits targeting current student debt relief efforts, according to NerdWallet lending expert Kate Wood in an email. That could mean an end to those programs, experts say. “Programs that the Biden administration created or expanded access to via regulatory changes could be easily rolled back,” she added. What has Trump said about student loan relief? During his September debate with Vice President Kamala Harris,Trump bashed the Biden administration’s efforts. “When they said they’re going to get student loans terminated and it ended up being a total catastrophe. He went out, got rejected again by the Supreme Court,” Trump said, referring to the high court’s 2023 decision that blocked Mr. Biden’s initial student loan forgiveness program, which would have provided up to $20,000 in relief per borrower. Who will qualify for debt forgiveness under Biden’s new student loan forgiveness plan? 00:45 “So all these students got taunted with this whole thing about — this whole idea. And how unfair that would have been. Part of the reason they lost,” he added. What does Project 2025 say about student loans? Project 2025 — an initiative overseen by the ************* Heritage Foundation to guide the next *********** president in an overhaul of the executive branch — calls for the abolishment of the Department of Education, and says student loans should be handled by the private sector. It also advocates for scuttling student loan relief. “The new administration must end the practice of acting like the federal student loan portfolio is a campaign fund to curry political support and votes,” Project 2025 says. “The new administration must end abuses in the loan forgiveness programs. Borrowers should be expected to repay their loans.” It’s unclear whether Trump agrees with those views, although he has called for an end to the Education Department. While on the campaign trail, Trump distanced himself from Project 2025, calling some of the proposals “abysmal.” What is the status of Biden’s student loan relief plans? Currently, there are two student loan relief plans that are tied up in court, both of which are being challenged by ***********-led states. The Saving on a Valuable Education, or SAVE, plan, is an income-driven repayment program, which pegs a borrower’s monthly payment to their income, lowering their financial costs. Some lower-income borrowers in SAVE have monthly payments of $0. Expert on best approach for student loan payments 03:11 The plan’s 8 million enrollees are now in limbo, however, after court rulings blocked the Biden administration from implementing the plan. Currently, those borrowers are in forbearance through April, meaning that their loans are essentially paused while the Biden administration defends the plan in court. Separately, another Biden administration plan to use the Higher Education Act to erase all or some of the student debt held by 30 million borrowers has also hit a legal roadblock, with a court putting that plan on hold in October. In the latter case, the *********** states argued that Mr. Biden’s plan sought to “unlawfully mass cancel up to hundreds of billions of dollars in student loans.” The Education Department vowed to defend both plans. What could happen to these programs under Trump? Bob Eitel, who served during the first Trump administration as a senior counselor to the education secretary, said he expects the president-elect will move to rescind the proposed loan cancellation regulations. “The Trump administration may pursue different avenues of loan relief, but it will not be the mass, blanket types of forgiveness that the current administration has pursued,” said Eitel, president and co-founder of the Defense of Freedom Institute for Policy Studies. Some other student loan relief programs may remain, such as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which would be tougher to eliminate but could become less accessible, said NerdWallet’s Wood. That program, which was signed into law by former President George W. Bush in 2007, forgives student debt for public workers like teachers and police officers after 10 years in repayment. The Biden administration reworked the PSLF to make it easier for people to qualify for forgiveness, after the vast majority of people who applied were told they were ineligible. During Trump’s first term, the Education Department was overseen by Betsy DeVos, who promoted school choice in K-12 and also called for deep spending cuts. She also proposed ending the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, although she was unsuccessful. Do Americans support student loan relief? It’s a divisive issue among voters, with people’s views ******** by their political leanings and whether they themselves have student debt, according to an AP-Norc poll published in June. Only 15% of Republicans believe student loan forgiveness is important, versus 58% of Democrats. More than half of people currently paying student loans say it’s an important issue, versus one-third of those with no experience with student debt, the poll found. Republicans have objected to Mr. Biden’s efforts because they could deprive some lenders of revenue, while some object to forgiving loans for people who enrolled in college, given that a ********* of Americans have college degrees. The Biden administration is “saddling working Americans with Ivy League debt,” said Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey in a September statement. The Associated Press contributed to this report. More Aimee Picchi Aimee Picchi is the associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch, where she covers business and personal finance. She previously worked at Bloomberg News and has written for national news outlets including USA Today and Consumer Reports. Source link #Trumps #win #student #debt #relief #question #Heres Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Prominent WA company director Rob Cole steps back to deal with health issue Prominent WA company director Rob Cole steps back to deal with health issue The prominent WA director’s companies have told their shareholders that he has gone on leave on health grounds. Source link #Prominent #company #director #Rob #Cole #steps #deal #health #issue Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Watch as Central California dust storm that caused 20-car pileup whips through Visalia Watch as Central California dust storm that caused 20-car pileup whips through Visalia Strong winds in Visalia kicked up a dust storm on Monday that hindered visibility, and sparked a pileup involving 20 cars in Chowchilla. Leaves and other debris swirled across Main Street in Visalia as high winds and rain blew through downtown Monday. Visibility dropped briefly to 100 feet in some places as winds gusted to nearly 20 MPH. High winds uprooted a large pine tree on Whispering Pines Court east of Giddings Street in Visalia on Monday. No injuries were reported. High winds uprooted a large pine tree Monday, November 11, 2024 on Whispering Pines Court east of Giddings Street Monday, November 11, 2024. No injuries were reported. The National Weather Service office in Hanford issued a dust storm warning around 2 p.m. Monday, warning that near-zero visibility would be experienced throughout the area. Local news station ABC 30 reported the dust storm triggered a 20-car pile-up and minor injuries for some drivers. Officers told the station that all lanes on the westbound side of Highway 152 were closed due to the large ******. The National Weather Service issued an emergency alert to phones regarding the dust storm at around 2:12 p.m. PT, according local news station Fox 26. Merchants and passersby retrieve wind blown items along Locust Street as winds and rain ***** through Downtown Visalia on Monday, November 11, 2024. Video captures intense dust storm Video of the dust storm shows the strong winds stirring up dirt and debris in downtown Visalia and the moment the tree fell. What should I do in a dust storm if I am driving? Dust storms are common occurrences in desert areas as high winds pick up loose dust. Across the southwest from California to Arizona these occurrences can happen at a moment’s notice. The National Weather Service gives tips on how to stay safe: If dense dust is observed blowing across or approaching a roadway, pull your vehicle off the pavement as far as possible, stop, turn off lights, set the emergency brake, take your foot off of the brake pedal to be sure the tail lights are not illuminated. Don’t enter the dust storm area if you can avoid it. If you can’t pull off the roadway, proceed at a speed suitable for visibility, turn on lights and sound the ***** occasionally. Use the painted centerline to help guide you. Look for a safe place to pull off the roadway. Never stop on the traveled portion of the roadway. Visalia Times-Delta photographer Ron Holman contributed to this report. Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at *****@*****.tld and follow him on X @fern_cerv_. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch intense dust storm whip through central California near Fresno Source link #Watch #Central #California #dust #storm #caused #20car #pileup #whips #Visalia Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

China is catching up with the West on tech, Microsoft president says China is catching up with the West on tech, Microsoft president says The West shouldn’t assume that China is lagging behind the U.S. and Europe on tech developments, Microsoft’s president and vice-chairman warned. U.S-China tensions in the past few years have centered on the battle between the two nations for tech supremacy, culminating in a slew of export controls on critical technologies. Late last year, China’s Huawei surprised the market with the release of a smartphone whose reviews indicated downloads speeds associated with 5G, sparking speculation of an apparent chip breakthrough that defied U.S. tech sanctions. Speaking at the Web Summit tech conference in Lisbon, Portugal, on Tuesday, Microsoft’s Brad Smith told CNBC that “in many ways,” China is close to or is even catching up on technology. “I think one of the dangers, frankly, is that people who don’t go to China too often assume that they’re behind,” he told CNBC’s Karen Tso. “But when you go there, you’re impressed by how much they’re doing.” He predicted that ******** and ********* companies will be competing on technology into the distant future and urged U.S. and ********* companies to collaborate to grow economies and bring new advancements like artificial intelligence to the rest of the world. Microsoft CEO Brad Smith participates in a meeting at The Westin Palace Hotel, on 20 May, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. Cezaro De Luca | Europa Press | Getty Images Microsoft has operated in China since 1992, according to the company’s web page, including through its largest research and development center outside the U.S. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said last year that the firm wasn’t focused on China as a domestic market, but that it provides services to ******** companies and has a more visible presence locally than do many other U.S. tech giants. Asked about whether trade and tech transfers — or the movement of data, designs or innovations — with China will get more challenging as Washington transitions between the administrations of U.S. incumbent leader Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump, Smith it was too early tor know. “The truth is, as an ********* technology company, we can do business in China only when we are offering a service that the ******** government wants to have there, and the U.S. government wants us to bring there,” he said, adding, “And in some cases they look at, say, a data center to support a Mercedes or a Siemens or a Starbucks or a General Motors — there seems to be a level of comfort. In consumer services, not really.” He predicted that we’ll live in a world where some technology will move to China, and it won’t be the tech firms that decide. —CNBC’s Jordan Novet contributed to this article. Source link #China #catching #West #tech #Microsoft #president Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Rime developer Tequila Works files for insolvency Rime developer Tequila Works files for insolvency Tequila Works has filed for insolvency. Management says it is “doing everything we can to provide support and guidance to our teams”. Source link #Rime #developer #Tequila #Works #files #insolvency Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Openings and warnings for ******* Openings and warnings for ******* Reuters It is difficult to try to predict the decisions that US President-elect Donald Trump will make when he returns to the White House. But one thing seems unlikely to change: his dislike of patient, principled diplomacy as a means to peace and his preference for transactional politics and populist gestures. This brings openings and perils in some areas in *******. Eight years ago, the Obama administration was working with the ******** Union (AU) to change ******* Nations (UN) rules for funding peacekeepers to put ******** missions on a firm financial basis. The AU Commission worked with the UN and other multilateral organisations to construct an “******** peace and security architecture” that ranged from proactive diplomacy to avert looming conflicts through to coordinated mediation efforts and peacekeeping operations, all underpinned by norms and principles enshrined in the UN Charter and the AU Constitutive Act. How long ago that seems. Plans for more robust peacekeeping evaporated in the transition to the first Trump administration. Since then, no new UN or AU peacekeeping missions have been authorised. Several – including in Darfur, Sudan and Mali – have been closed, and others scaled down. The Biden administration did not reverse the trend. The idea of “******** peace” – that peace, democracy, justice and open markets all go together – had long been a powerful strand in US global strategy. The AU embraced its multilateralism but recoiled from being lectured on human rights and democracy and were divided on Western military interventions such as in Libya. Some ******** leaders preferred Trump’s candour and focus on results. The “Trump Doctrine” for the Middle East and ******* swept aside multilateralism in favour of transactional deals with ********* allies in Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, the ******* ***** Emirates (UAE) and, above all, *******. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed set the strategy of the Abraham Accords, and Trump basked in the glory when ***** countries signed up. Trump’s other consistent positions were hostility towards China’s influence on the continent and aversion to deploying ********* soldiers. Getty Images Ethiopia’s decision to build a huge dam on a tributary of the River Nile has caused tensions with Egypt At the request of Egypt’s President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi – described by Trump as “my favourite dictator” – then-Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin took charge of mediating Egypt’s dispute with Ethiopia over the Nile waters. The immediate issue was how much water would be retained by the Grand ********** Renaissance Dam as it approached completion. As the talks faltered, Washington put its thumb on the scales, suspending aid to Ethiopia, while Trump suggested that Egypt might “***** up” the dam. America recognised Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara in exchange for Rabat signing the Abraham Accords and thereby recognising *******. In the era of “******** peace”, an agreement to end a civil war was the drafting of a democratic constitution, along with measures for disarming and demobilising rival armies, transitional justice and reconciliation, and aid-funded programmes to deliver a peace dividend for the afflicted populace. The first Trump administration preferred direct deal-making, whereby autocrats cut a private bargain over the counter. Scholars call this the “illiberal peace”. When then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Sudan after the popular revolution that led to the ousting of military-Islamist ruler Omar al-Bashir, his main agenda was a simple trade: America would lift sanctions when Sudan agreed to sign the Abraham Accords. In October 2020, the White House announced that President Trump had “brokered a historic peace agreement” between ******* and Sudan. On the heels of deals with Bahrain and the UAE, and weeks before Americans voted in the presidential election, this was Trump’s “October surprise”. It came too late to save Sudan from the economic crisis that crushed its democratic experiment and fell away after Trump lost to Joe Biden. But it’s fair to assume that the second Trump administration will continue this way. The exact alignments and deals are impossible to predict, and much will depend on the individuals appointed to key positions. But the “******** peace” is now ***** and *******. Sudan is currently *******’s largest war and its biggest famine for decades. There is no sign that Trump is concerned. Getty Images The near-19-month conflict in Sudan has ******* tens of thousands of people and displaced more than 11 million The biggest obstacle to peace is that the UAE supports one side with weapons and cash while Egypt and Saudi Arabia back the other. There is no prospect for peace while this continues. For those ***** powerbrokers, Sudan is just one element in their geostrategic calculations, ranked below *******-Palestine, Iran and relations with Washington. But if there is a reshuffle of the Middle Eastern political cards, a bargain over Sudan might be a by-product, even an opportunity for Trump to bask in the glow of an unexpected peacemaker. It will not bring an end to *********, let alone usher in democracy, but it would open the space for serious negotiations. A similar calculation holds for Ethiopia and its fractious relations with an Egypt-led coalition that includes Eritrea and Somalia. Along with an array of ******** leaders, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is heavily reliant on Emirati largesse. Tensions in the ***** of ******* would be reduced if Egypt and the UAE align their strategies. The Biden administration’s policy towards the ***** of ******* was neither committed to principled multilateralism, nor ready to use its leverage with the Gulf states. Its envoys could only grasp for minor wins such as pauses in the fighting or opening checkpoints for aid convoys. The tangled wars in Sudan, Ethiopia and their neighbours cry out for bold action – and if he were so minded, Trump might cut the Gordian Knot. But the risks of a conflagration are high. The Trump White House will not be likely to restrain bellicose tendencies by Middle Eastern powerbrokers or ******** leaders, and – especially during the US policy vacuum of the next few months – any one of those leaders could launch a war, confident that America will not respond. In his first term, Trump showed no interest in the US military footprint in *******. Apparently on a whim, he ordered the withdrawal of ********* troops from Somalia, where they were involved in the war against the jihadist group al-Shabab – a decision reversed by the Biden administration. It’s unlikely that Trump will pay attention to the Pentagon’s operations against jihadists there or in the West ******** Sahel, unless there is a high-profile incident with ********* casualties. And America’s Middle Eastern allies will be keen for the US to retain its military base in Djibouti. Reports of collusion between Yemen’s Houthis and al-Shabab, heightening risks of attacks in East ******* or on shipping in the Indian Ocean, may rekindle US interest in military operations. Alternatively, missions could be outsourced to allies such as the UAE or private military contractors. AFP Relations between Kenya and the US strengthened under the Biden administration Kenyan President William Ruto’s rapport with Biden will do him no favours, but Kenya’s new status as a “major non-Nato ally” – and contributor of police to Haiti – will likely retain good standing within the Department of Defense. West ******* is today the locus of the world’s most active jihadist movements as well as a tide of putschists who cut deals with Russia’s security outfit, the Wagner Group, now merged into its ******* Corps. If Trump sees West ******* through the prism of relations with Moscow, and his planned deal with President Vladimir ****** over the war in Ukraine, it will introduce a wild card into the region’s politics. But tensions will arise because his ally, Morocco, has its own ambitions for strategic leadership across West *******. It’s a major non-Nato ally and has been leery of Russian influence in Algeria, Libya and the Sahel – adding up to a mix that would be stirred if Trump cuts deals with ******. Transactional politics imply cutting deals with coup leaders and warlords whose ******* are their credentials. AU principles such as outlawing unconstitutional changes in government will be disregarded. Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu may have preferred Biden, but he is familiar with Trump’s style of politics and will seek a formula for keeping America onside in its war against jihadist group Boko Haram. In February, just weeks after the presidential inauguration in Washington, *******’s leaders will meet in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to elect a new chairperson of the AU Commission. The outgoing chairperson, Chad’s former Prime Minister Moussa Faki Mahamat, was content to be a trader in the political bazaar of the Trump-Biden years. His successor will face the challenge that *******’s best formula for peace and security ***** in norm-based multilateral cooperation, but 2025 will be an inauspicious year for reviving that project. Alex de Waal is the executive director of the World Peace Foundation at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in the US. North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher makes sense of the race for the White House in his twice-weekly US Election Unspun newsletter. Readers in the *** can sign up here. Those outside the *** can sign up here. Getty Images/BBC Source link #Openings #warnings #******* Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

North Taurid Meteor Shower Peaks, Bringing Fireballs to US Night Skies North Taurid Meteor Shower Peaks, Bringing Fireballs to US Night Skies The North Taurid meteor shower peaked on the night of November 11, offering skywatchers across the ******* States a chance to witness one of the year’s most unique meteor displays. This annual event is part of two overlapping meteor showers—the South and North Taurids—both originating from the debris trail of Comet 2P/Encke. These meteors, which peak in November, can produce exceptionally bright fireballs, lighting up the night sky. Taurid Meteor Showers Bring Bright Fireballs The North Taurids was active from October 13 to December 2, while the South Taurids began in late September and ended on November 12. While these meteor showers generally produce about five meteors per hour, they are best known for their “Halloween fireballs”—extraordinarily bright meteors that can be visible across large areas of the sky. The relative scarcity of meteors is compensated by their brightness, allowing onlookers a memorable viewing experience, especially during the peak. Optimal Viewing Under the Night Sky Despite the Moon being in its waxing gibbous phase, which can reduce visibility for faint meteors, these fireballs are expected to remain visible. The presence of the moon, approaching its full phase on November 15, may make it challenging to spot smaller meteors; however, the most luminous fireballs will remain visible. The South Taurids peaked earlier this month during a waxing crescent moon, making their display particularly striking under dark conditions. Observing Tips and Origins of the Taurids Originating from Comet 2P/Encke, which has an orbit around the sun every 3.25 years, both showers are created by the remnants left by this short-******* comet. The North and South Taurids appear to emanate from the constellation Taurus, which rises in the eastern sky each November. Observers are encouraged to allow their eyes time to adjust to the dark, as viewing does not require any equipment like binoculars or telescopes. This yearly meteor display provides a unique opportunity for both ******** and seasoned astronomers to enjoy bright fireballs illuminating the sky—an event best appreciated without additional light interference. For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube. Gigabyte 27-Inch Gaming Monitor With QHD Resolution, 180Hz Refresh Rate Launched in India Vivo Y300 5G Confirmed to Launch in India; Rear Design Teased Source link #North #Taurid #Meteor #Shower #Peaks #Bringing #Fireballs #Night #Skies Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Bulldozers cannot be used as punishment tool: India court Bulldozers cannot be used as punishment tool: India court India’s top court has said that authorities cannot demolish homes merely because a person has been accused of a ****** and has ***** down strict guidelines for any such action. The ruling comes in response to a bunch of pleas seeking action against authorities using demolition as a punitive measure against those accused or convicted of *******. “The executive [the government] cannot become a judge and demolish properties. The chilling sight of a bulldozer demolishing a building reminds one of lawlessness where might was right,” the Supreme Court said on Wednesday. It also directed authorities to give sufficient time to the affected person to challenge the order or vacate the property. The ruling comes in the backdrop of a spate of instances, where authorities in states, particularly governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have used demolition as a tool to punish people accused of *******. The reason cited is ******** construction but experts have questioned the logic and say there is no legal justification for doing this. While the victims include the families of Hindus, opposition leaders and several activists say that the action is mostly targeted at Muslims, especially after religious ********* or protests. The BJP denies the allegation and chief ministers of these states have linked the demolitions with their tough stance on ******. During the hearing on Wednesday, the Supreme Court used strong words to criticise the practice. “Such highhanded and arbitrary actions have no place in a constitutional democracy,” it said, adding that officials “who took the law in their hands” should be held accountable. The court then issued guidelines, which make it mandatory for authorities to give a 15-day notice to an occupant before the alleged ******** property is demolished. The notice should explain the reasons for demolition. If the accused does not respond to the notice within 15 days, authorities can proceed with the action but they would be required to film the process, the court said. It also warned that violating these guidelines would amount to contempt of court. The court has strongly criticised extrajudicial demolitions throughout the trial. Earlier this month, it observed that demolishing properties merely because a person was accused of a ****** was “simply unacceptable under rule of law”. It also observed that citizens’ voices could not be silenced by the threat of demolition. While the Supreme Court’s guidelines can be seen as a positive step towards preventing such demolitions from becoming the norm, observers point out that the implementation of the order would be key in ensuring the practice stops. Leading human rights platform Amnesty International India has praised the ruling saying that though it has come late, it is a welcome move in upholding the rights of the people. “This is a big win in ending the deeply unjust, widespread, unlawful and punitive demolitions, mostly targeting the ********* ******* community, by the Indian authorities which have often been peddled as ‘bulldozer justice’ by ruling party political leaders and media,” the organisation said in a statement. Source link #Bulldozers #punishment #tool #India #court Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Fashion industry ‘should be concerned’ by return to skinny models, Vogue boss Chioma Nnadi says Fashion industry ‘should be concerned’ by return to skinny models, Vogue boss Chioma Nnadi says The fashion industry “should be concerned” by a trend back to using more skinny models, the editorial director of British Vogue has said. Chioma Nnadi suggested the change, following recent progress in body diversity, had been partly fuelled by the rise in popularity of weight-loss drugs. “I do think maybe perhaps Ozempic has something to do with it,” she told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “We’re in this moment where we’re seeing the pendulum sort of swing back to skinny being ‘in’ and often these things are treated like a trend and we don’t want them to be.” Asked by presenter Emma Barnett what was fuelling the trend, Nnadi said: “I don’t think we can pin it on any one thing. “I do think that Ozempic has something to do with it because we’re seeing a lot of celebrities who are using it, and I think there’s this shift in the culture around how we think about our bodies and how we address our bodies.” Nnadi said she thought it was “important that all bodies are represented” in fashion, adding that it was an issue she and her colleagues were mindful of. “Thinking about the models that we can have in our [photo] shoots is very important,” she continued. “And it was very important that we included models who were not sample size. “But I think it’s not something that we, as a magazine, can change on our own, because obviously the designers are making clothes that are sample size.” Referring to last season’s fashion weeks, where designers showcase their new collections, Nnadi said: “I didn’t think there was enough representation as far as body diversity. “And it felt almost like, at certain shows, the models were especially thin. “Hopefully the season will be a wake-up call and it won’t be that we see that kind of negative trend [and] that we see that progress.” Nnadi took over at the *** edition of Vogue last October, replacing the magazine’s previous editor Edward Enninful. The job title was changed to head of editorial content when she joined, but Nnadi is still ultimately the most senior figure at the magazine. Ozempic, which suppresses appetite, has become popular in the US in recent years and its use has been increasing in the ***. Source link #Fashion #industry #concerned #return #skinny #models #Vogue #boss #Chioma #Nnadi Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

ProPicks AI #1 Stock: 185% Profit Locked After Timely Exit on This AI Powerhouse ProPicks AI #1 Stock: 185% Profit Locked After Timely Exit on This AI Powerhouse Yesterday, Andy Pai – the man behind ProPicks AI – and I gave our members an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of how our AI stock-picker works under the hood. If you haven’t yet checked it out, I strongly suggest you do. The webinar recording can be found on our YouTube channel or X (formerly Twitter). Among the many topics discussed, we showed in detail the logic that makes ProPicks AI what it is – that is, combining thousands of financial metrics and signals into one investment-grade type report on the stocks that show the best risk-return proposition on a monthly basis. On the webinar, we also revealed our number-one trade of the year: Super Micro Computer (NASDAQ:). Today, we will provide more background details on how ProPicks AI made that trade, as well as why it decided to remove it from the strategy in July, booking a phenomenal 185% gain. We also encourage all Investing.com users to take advantage of our ongoing Early Bird ****** Friday ***** to access ProPicks for less than $7 a month for a limited time only! How ProPicks AI Identified the SMCI Surge Early on As 2024 kicked off, one name quickly dominated investor conversations: SMCI. The stock skyrocketed almost overnight, fueled by the AI frenzy sweeping across the market. Known for its high-performance, efficient servers, SMCI captured investors’ attention as the AI ***** gained momentum. It became the “it” stock, with investors clamoring to get a piece of this AI “gem.” The buzz around SMCI was palpable. Its stable fundamentals and skyrocketing momentum made it an obvious choice, and by March 2024, its chart was showing a parabolic rise that was hard to ignore. Adding to its appeal, ProPicks AI included SMCI in its ‘Tech Titans‘ strategy starting January 1, 2024. This wasn’t a surprise—ProPicks AI had analyzed a vast amount of data and key metrics, deciding SMCI was a solid bet for its strategy rebalance. But here’s the real question for investors who were riding SMCI’s wave: When would it be the right time to sell? After surging 218% in the first three months of the year, some might have been wondering how long this bull run would last. But of course, no one could have predicted the emotional rollercoaster that would follow—especially once the company became entangled in accounting-related allegations. How Did ProPicks Cash Out Before the Roller Coaster Began? ProPicks AI, however, didn’t have to play a guessing game when deciding to cash out. The algorithm—free from human emotion—kept SMCI in its portfolio through six consecutive rebalances after adding it on January 1, 2024. Every month, the AI analyzed the stock’s risk-to-reward ratio alongside several other key metrics and held firm. But on July 1, 2024, after months of steady growth, ProPicks made a critical move: it removed SMCI from its strategy. It could be that the AI detected a shift in the stock’s fundamentals, or perhaps ProPicks saw more promising opportunities elsewhere considering the risk-to-reward proposition. Regardless, SMCI missed out by a whisker from being added to the rebalance that month. For those who held on beyond this AI hype-driven surge, the ride quickly turned volatile as the company faced a host of headwinds in the months that followed, leading to large price swings. Bottom Line As our six-part series on ProPicks AI’s top-10 trades of the year comes to an end, we want to remind our readers of the real reason why we got so many 100%+ gainers in 2024: quality and breadth of data. This edge comes from leveraging Investing.com’s 25+ years of historical market data and the extensive R&D invested in refining its insights. It’s like equipping the AI with the expertise of a seasoned analyst—without the trial-and-error learning process. With this depth of knowledge, it was able to spot several different market signals for fantastic results, as shown in our series. Just to recap: Stocks #9 and #10 – Insulet Corp (NASDAQ:) and Xerox (NASDAQ:): . Stocks #7 and #8 – IDEXX Laboratories (NASDAQ:) and Williams-Sonoma (NYSE:): . Stocks #5 and #6 – Shift4 Payments (NYSE:) and Broadcom (NASDAQ:): . Stocks #3 and #4 – Vistra Energy (NYSE:) and MicroStrategy (NASDAQ:): . Stock #2 – Nvidia (NASDAQ:): Investment-grade fundamental analysis showed the stock had far more upside despite earlier gains. . And you’ve just read about our number 1 pick of the year! Still curious to understand a little more about how ProPicks AI works under the hood? Then check out our exclusive webinar here! Also, do not miss out on the opportunity of notching the market’s top AI-generated picks with an up to 55% discount as part of our Early Bird ****** Friday Campaign. *** Disclaimer: This article is written for informational purposes only; it does not constitute a solicitation, offer, advice, counsel or recommendation to invest as such it is not intended to incentivize the purchase of assets in any way. I would like to remind you that any type of asset, is evaluated from multiple perspectives and is highly risky and therefore, any investment decision and the associated risk ******** with the investor. Source link #ProPicks #Stock #Profit #Locked #Timely #Exit #Powerhouse Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Queenslanders living in regional and remote parts of the state paying sky high airfares Queenslanders living in regional and remote parts of the state paying sky high airfares Maverick MP Bob Katter has lashed out at the airlines for charging regional Queenslanders double what they should be to fly return to Brisbane. Source link #Queenslanders #living #regional #remote #parts #state #paying #sky #high #airfares Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kai Cenat Lives the Dream of Every GTA Fan as He Gets on a Call With Carl Johnson’s Voice Actor Kai Cenat Lives the Dream of Every GTA Fan as He Gets on a Call With Carl Johnson’s Voice Actor It’s a moment that every Grand Theft Auto fan has dreamt of, speaking to Carl “CJ” Johnson himself. For Twitch superstar Kai Cenat, this became a reality when he connected with the iconic voice actor behind CJ. During their conversation, Chris Bellard recreated the iconic line, “Ah sh*t, here we go again.” Image Credit: Rockstar Games As you’d expect, everyone went wild, not just Kai but the entire internet. Social media immediately exploded as fans celebrated the nostalgic moment that brought back memories of one of gaming’s most beloved characters. This was a full-circle moment for millions of GTA fans. Kai Cenat Has Given Us So Many Amazing Moments This Year Kai Cenat | Credits: @kaicenat via Instagram Kai Cenat’s rise on Twitch has had some record-breaking moments, big name celeb appearances, and record-breaking live streams. His 2024 achievements alone have been crazy. Kai Cenat reacts to being nominated for ‘Best Marathon Stream’ during his marathon stream. pic.twitter.com/PlE6HDSSrH — DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) November 11, 2024 Cenat’s journey to success has been loved because of its authenticity. It’s further exemplified by his reverence for gaming culture. It’s this combination of authenticity and high-energy entertainment that makes Kai such a huge part of current pop culture. In his most recent Mafiathon 2 event which runs through all of November, he called up Young Maylay. Maylay is best known for his portrayal of Carl “CJ” Johnson in GTA: San Andreas. After getting him on the phone, Kai asked him to recreate the infamous line from the game. Kai Cenat spoke to CJ from GTA and got him to say the famous line pic.twitter.com/qFbQ6jD1AU — DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) November 13, 2024 While some fans joked that Cenat’s chat with CJ was “healing their childhoods,” others marveled at how naturally Young Maylay slipped back into the role. Social media erupted with memes and reactions. Kai Cenat has officially broken the record for most subs EVER on Twitch pic.twitter.com/yMNELmIncm — Jake Lucky (@JakeSucky) November 12, 2024 This interaction with CJ’s voice actor is just the latest accomplishment in what has been a landmark year for Kai Cenat. 2024 has seen him smash records on Twitch. During his current Mafiathon 2 streaming event, he broke the all-time subscriber record, surpassing 330,000 active subscribers. The Twitch Superstar Was Almost Poached By Kick Kai has brought crossovers we could never have imagined. | Image Credit: kaicenat/Twitch 2024 has been a year of monumental decisions and achievements for Cenat. Earlier this year, the streamer revealed he had turned down a staggering $60 million offer from Kick, a competing streaming platform. Kai Cenat has revealed that during the first Mafiathon he was offered $60M by KICK to stream the first half of the marathon on there and announced he officially signed with them, he declined the offer to stick with Twitch. pic.twitter.com/03uK14OFP7 — ryan (@scubaryan_) November 12, 2024 According to Cenat, Kick offered the lucrative contract to host part of his previous Mafiathon event on their platform. Despite the eye-watering sum, Cenat chose to remain on Twitch, a decision he credited to personal reflection and prayer. In addition to his record-breaking feats, Cenat has also demonstrated his dedication to giving back. His Mafiathon 2 event, which will run throughout November, commits 20% of its revenue to building schools in Nigeria. Kai Cenat started crying after realizing Rockstar Games follows him and even DM’d him to come to a private event at Twitch **** [Hidden Content] — ryan (@scubaryan_) September 21, 2024 He even got the attention of Rockstar Games during TwitchCon. The developers reached out personally, inviting him to a private meeting and expressing their admiration for his Red ***** Redemption 2 playthrough. With over 337,000 active subscribers and counting, Cenat’s achievements this year reflect his hard work, charisma, and unwavering connection with fans. What do you think of Kai’s success over the last year? Let us know in the comments! Source link #Kai #Cenat #Lives #Dream #GTA #Fan #Call #Carl #Johnsons #Voice #Actor Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Oklahoma police release video of cop slamming *******-stricken 70-year-old to the ground Oklahoma police release video of cop slamming *******-stricken 70-year-old to the ground Oklahoma police release video of cop slamming *******-stricken 70-year-old to the ground Source link #Oklahoma #police #release #video #cop #slamming #cancerstricken #70yearold #ground Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tencent Q3 2024 earnings Tencent Q3 2024 earnings ******** tech company Tencent is a gaming giant and the parent company of WeChat, the ubiquitous social messaging app in China. Cheng Xin | Getty Images News | Getty Images ******** social media and gaming company Tencent on Wednesday reported better-than-expected profit in the third quarter, spurred by growth in games, advertising and cloud services. Tencent reported profit attributable to shareholders of 53.23 billion yuan ($7.37 billion) in the third quarter, compared with a LSEG estimate of 46.18 billion yuan over the *******. The company’s revenue came in at 167.19 billion yuan, short of the 167.82 billion yuan analyst forecast. This breaking news story is being updated. Source link #Tencent #earnings Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Xbox Series X Discounted by $50 to $449 Xbox Series X Discounted by $50 to $449 Microsoft and several retailers are currently running a promotion for the standard Xbox Series X in the US. Source link #Xbox #Series #Discounted Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tencent Q3 2024 earnings Tencent Q3 2024 earnings ******** tech company Tencent is a gaming giant and the parent company of WeChat, the ubiquitous social messaging app in China. Cheng Xin | Getty Images News | Getty Images ******** social media and gaming company Tencent on Wednesday reported better-than-expected profit in the third quarter, spurred by growth in games, advertising and cloud services. Tencent reported profit attributable to shareholders of 53.23 billion yuan ($7.37 billion) in the third quarter, compared with a LSEG estimate of 46.18 billion yuan over the *******. The company’s revenue came in at 167.19 billion yuan, short of the 167.82 billion yuan analyst forecast. This breaking news story is being updated. Source link #Tencent #earnings Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

US *** trade talks could resume under Trump, tariff exemptions possible US *** trade talks could resume under Trump, tariff exemptions possible The U.S. Stars and Stripes flag hangs on Whitehall with the figure of Lord Nelson on the top of his column in Trafalgar Square, on 3rd June 2019, in London England. Richard Baker | In Pictures | Getty Images LONDON — President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed trade tariffs could prove a boon for the U.K., with analysts pointing to potential exemptions, economic upswings and the likely resumption of trade deal talks. Britain may be hoping that its “special relationship” across the Atlantic — as well as Trump’s affinity for Brexit — are enough to spare it from the most punitive of proposed trade levies. But analysts suggest the incoming president’s main motivation is likely to be purely economic. “The U.K.’s benefit is it’s not in the trade war crosshairs. It just doesn’t have that same need to level the playing field and level the trade imbalance,” Jonathan Pingle, chief U.S. economist at UBS, told CNBC Tuesday. Trump has long argued that global trade imbalances disadvantage the U.S. economy, with domestic production in particular being undercut by foreign goods. As such, in his 2024 campaign, he vowed to impose 10% to 20% tariffs on all foreign imports — a rate he said would rise to 60% to 100% for ******** goods. The U.S. is the U.K.’s largest trading partner, with trade between the two countries totaling £304.3 billion ($388 billion) in the four quarters to the end of the second quarter of 2024. As such, tariffs could serve a severe ***** to the British economy. Unlike China and the EU, however — with whom the U.S. runs a large trade deficit — the U.K.’s trade balance is far tighter, and largely centered on the services sector, which is less likely to provoke tough measures from a protectionist Trump administration, analysts say. I suspect there is some ground for the U.K. to agree some kind of concession [or] carve-out … That might mean any tariffs are watered down. Paul Dales chief U.K. economist at Capital Economics “Trump is also unlikely to think that the U.K. is taking advantage of the U.S. like he thinks China and to a lesser extent the EU is,” Andrew Wishart, senior U.K. economist at Berenberg said in emailed comments Monday. In fact, the U.K. could actually expect to see lesser levies, or indeed immunity, from the plans, according to Capital Economics’ chief U.K. economist, Paul Dales. “I suspect there is some ground for the U.K. to agree some kind of concession [or] carve-out, should the U.S. place tariffs on imports from the U.K.,” Dales, told CNBC via email Monday. “That might mean that any tariffs are watered down or cancelled after a while.” While economists have warned that Trump’s proposed tariffs would be broadly inflationary for the global economy, Capital Economics forecast in a pre-election note that the impact of tariffs would be either small — or perhaps even positive — for the U.K. economy, as a result of currency fluctuations and potential allowances. Striking a U.S.-U.K. free-trade deal That potential for special U.K. allowances has once again raised the specter of a possible bilateral trade deal between the two nations. A U.K.-U.S. free trade deal was touted as one of the key benefits of Brexit, with “Leave” campaigners suggesting such a deal could be secured in short order following Britain’s departure from the EU. But progress has since been slow. When contacted by CNBC, the Trump campaign did not directly comment on the possibility of special trade allowances for the U.K., nor a wider trade deal. However, a transition spokeswoman said Trump’s election win had given him a “mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail.” A man in an oversized ‘Keep America Great’ hat and draped with a US flag holds a Union Flag in Parliament Square opposite the Houses of Parliament in London on January 31, 2020. Glyn Kirk | Afp | Getty Images The U.K. government, meanwhile, said that it was looking “forward to working closely with President Trump to improve ***-US trading relations to support businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.” It follows reports over the weekend that Trump could be willing to strike a deal with Britain due, in part, to the president-elect’s support for Brexit. Former political appointee Peggy Grande told the Independent newspaper on Sunday that trade tariffs were likely to hit the EU more than Britain because Trump wanted to see a “successful Brexit.” Meanwhile, Democratic Governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy, told the Telegraph that Trump may treat the U.K. more favorably because he has an “sympathy for somebody who leaves a bureaucracy.” I don’t think Trump cares about the U.K. exercising its Brexit freedoms … it’s an attempt to divide and conquer Europe. Mujtaba Rahman Eurasia Group’s managing director Others were less sanguine about Trump’s support for U.K. sovereignty, however, suggesting instead that the former president’s key motivation may be to assert control over the continent. “I don’t think Trump cares about the U.K. exercising its Brexit freedoms, but I do think it’s an attempt to divide and conquer Europe,” Mujtaba Rahman, Eurasia Group’s managing director for Europe, told CNBC by phone. A dilemma for Starmer Nonetheless, trade negotiators may have a steep hill to climb when it comes to securing a full bilateral trade agreement, with analysts voicing skepticism that there will be enough political will on either side to push a deal through. “If Trump was really keen on this, then I suspect it would have happened when he was President between 2017-2020,” Capital Economics’ Dales said. While a pro-Brexit ************* government was in charge during Trump’s first term in office which was keen to demonstrate the benefits of Brexit, with Labour now at the helm, finding common ground on key sticking points in the deal may prove more elusive. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, for instance, is unlikely to lower food standards and accept imports of hormone injected beef and chlorinated chicken requisite under U.S. trade terms. “There are major vested interests on both sides and their preferences don’t overlap. If there is a challenge for the Starmer government, it’s in how it manages those discussions,” Rahman said. Meanwhile, Starmer will have a balance to strike to avoid provoking frustration – and potential retaliation – from key allies in Brussels, just as he is seeking to reset ties across the continent. “Were the U.K. to secure an exemption on its exports to the U.S., that would put it at an advantage to the EU. Therefore, any retaliatory measures the EU puts in place could be imposed on trade with the U.K. too,” Wishart said. “That would be more damaging than freer trade with the U.S.” Source link #trade #talks #resume #Trump #tariff #exemptions Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Same Game, Better Graphics. Is Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered Just a Cash Grab? Same Game, Better Graphics. Is Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered Just a Cash Grab? Richard Bailey Jr. of The Koalition writes: Horizon Zero Dawn took the world by storm when it debuted on PlayStation 4 consoles in February 2017. Developed by Guerrilla Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the new IP was well-received by critics and fans, proving that the Dutch-based studio could make more than just Killzone games. Source link #Game #Graphics #Horizon #Dawn #Remastered #Cash #Grab Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]