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New electricity plant captures carbon dioxide for fizzy drinks New electricity plant captures carbon dioxide for fizzy drinks BBC Captured carbon dioxide from electricity generation is used for fizzy drinks A new gas-fired power plant in Nottinghamshire plans to turn planet-warming carbon dioxide into an ingredient for fizzy drinks. The 10-megawatt project at Rhodesia outside Worksop uses waste heat to capture and clean the gas which would otherwise contribute to climate change. The plant earns valuable carbon credits because the food grade carbon dioxide replaces manufactured gas. Investors say the modular plant is also designed to provide flexible power for the national grid when renewable energy fluctuates. Chief technical officer Roddy Elder says reusing carbon dioxide is better for climate change than releasing it into the atmosphere Chief technical officer Roddy Elder told the BBC two sets of cylinders capture the carbon dioxide using a liquid solvent. The solvent then releases the gas to be cleaned and tested to ensure it is pure enough to be used in the food industry. He explained the plant uses existing technology applied in a different way. “Using solvents to capture CO2 has been used for many years to purify the air in nuclear submarines on a long patrol,” he said. “It’s much better than burning gas in a traditional power station. We’re burning fuel, but the fuel itself is not contributing to global warming.” Founder Michael Avison says the plant is designed as part of a circular economy Co-founder Michael Avison says the plant will supply electricity for about 10,000 Worksop homes and the captured CO2 will end up in drinks at the local pub. “It’s about a circular economy,” he says. “There is nothing wrong with fossil fuels if we clean them up.” The plant is designed so it can be powered up to support renewables on the national grid when the wind does not ***** or the sun does not shine. Mr Avison first had the idea for a more sustainable power plant 15 years ago but carbon credits became too cheap to make it pay. Credits cost more now but it is the addition of a valuable by-product that has made the whole project financially viable. No money has come from the *** government – instead the £40m price tag has been met by private investors who specialise in energy transition. The company says its modular template can be adapted with the waste heat used for district heating or industrial processing. Carbon dioxide could also be transported for permanent storage underground. Investors now hope to attract interest from others to scale up their design for use around the world. Source link #electricity #plant #captures #carbon #dioxide #fizzy #drinks Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tom’s Law passes Parliament, as novice drivers slapped with passenger restrictions Tom’s Law passes Parliament, as novice drivers slapped with passenger restrictions New restrictions on P-platers will come into force next month, after the State Parliament passed Tom’s Law on Tuesday afternoon. Source link #Toms #Law #passes #Parliament #novice #drivers #slapped #passenger #restrictions Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Avowed Won’t Copy a Hit Feature from Baldur’s Gate 3 Avowed Won’t Copy a Hit Feature from Baldur’s Gate 3 Obsidian Entertainment’s upcoming RPG, Avowed, is breaking away from a trend in role-playing games by choosing to omit romance options. The game is set to hit the market next February and has been one of the more anticipated titles in recent years. This will set it apart from recent titles like Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Baldur’s Gate 3 BG3 did romance well, but it wasn’t a highlight. | Image Credit: Larian Studios Game Director Carrie Patel clarified this decision, stating that it wasn’t made lightly. While romance can add depth to character interactions, Patel explained that the team chose to focus on creating proper platonic relationships. Avowed Won’t Just Be Another Hit RPG Clone In a recent interview with GamesRadar, Patel explained the challenges of creating romance systems, noting the extensive work required to make them truly impactful. “It’s a ton of work. You want to make sure you do it right. And part of that is also you want to make sure that a player who opts not to romance but still wants to have a very deep relationship with those companions gets to have just as thorough and meaningful an experience on a friendship or ally path. With this, fans will experience deep, well-rounded connections with their companions, regardless of whether they choose to pursue romance or not. The focus on platonic bonds will enable Obsidian to show the game’s world in a more neutral tone. And so we felt that we could best tell our companions’ stories and our players’ relationships with them without the romance option. While romance mechanics have become a beloved staple of role-playing games, Patel explains that the complexity of implementing them makes it an exhaustive feature to do justice. For both romantic and platonic paths to be equally fulfilling, Obsidian has to double its effort, particularly as player expectations continue to grow. Patel emphasized that they want non-romantic relationships to offer the same depth as romance, and that would require a lot of work. Let’s See What This Improved Resource Allocation Brings Us The devs for Avowed have their focus elsewhere. | Image Credit: Obsidian Entertainment Speaking to Windows Central, Patel also elaborated on the challenges of introducing romance in a game with limited resources and scope. While larger RPGs often have sprawling storylines and intricate romance paths, Avowed is designed to be a smaller, more focused game. We wanted to make sure that if we were going to do romance, we were going to really, really, really do it right — or not at all. For Avowed, we decided to focus on other aspects of our companions. For Obsidian, cutting out romance means they can allocate more resources to refine other aspects. This way the game can focus on what it wants to do instead of what it could do avoiding the bloat that can arise when trying to include too many features. Comment byu/ControlCAD from discussion ingamingnews This decision might even give players more genuine interactions with companions. While romance systems are popular, they can sometimes come across as immaterial or formulaic. The option to romance companions often ends up feeling more like a checklist than a properly thorough feature. Patel is aware that a romance system can add an extra layer of reality to RPGs. But she argues that this isn’t the only way to achieve emotional engagement. With companions who can build meaningful relationships with players outside of romance, Avowed intends to create memorable interactions that align more closely with its core themes and story. We’ll see if this decision pays off on February 18, 2025, when Avowed releases. In the meantime, let us know what you want from the game in the comments! Source link #Avowed #Wont #Copy #Hit #Feature #Baldurs #Gate Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

3 Ways to Get More Benefits in 2025 3 Ways to Get More Benefits in 2025 Ideally, you’ll save well for retirement so you won’t have to deal with financial stress once your senior years arrive. But there’s a good chance you’ll also end up dependent on Social Security to some degree. That’s why it’s so important to do what you can to score the highest Social Security paycheck. And if you play your cards right in the new year, you can set yourself up for a larger benefit once you retire. Here are three key moves to make in 2025. Start Your Mornings Smarter! Wake up with Breakfast news in your inbox every market day. Sign Up For Free » Image source: Getty Images. The Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates your monthly retirement benefit based on the amount of income you earned. So the more you earn during your career, the higher a payday you might get down the line. That’s why it pays to try to boost your earnings in 2025. Of course, a higher paycheck also means more financial wiggle room in the near term to not only cover your bills, but do things like fund your 401(k) or IRA. But it could also lead to more Social Security in retirement. So to that end, work on growing your job skills, as that could land you a promotion that comes with a raise. You should also know that it’s not just earnings from a salaried job that could set you up for more Social Security. Side hustle income counts, too. So even if your salary stays the same all year long, if you manage to earn an extra $5,000 from a lucrative side gig, it could help you increase your Social Security checks in retirement. It’s not a given that the SSA will have accurate earnings data for you on record. And if your income is underreported, it could lead to a smaller monthly benefit down the line. Make sure to check your earnings record at some point in 2025 to ensure that it’s accurate. You can do so by creating an account on the SSA’s website and accessing your most recent earnings statement. That statement will contain helpful a host of information, like an estimate of your future monthly Social Security benefit. If you’ll be turning 62 in 2025, it means you’ll be eligible to start claiming Social Security, since that’s the earliest age to file. But continuing to work could pay off for a couple of reasons. First, waiting until full retirement age helps you avoid a reduction to your monthly Social Security benefit. And even if you’ll be reaching full retirement age in 2025, delaying your filing past that point results in a boosted benefit for life. You’re rewarded financially for postponing your claim up until you turn 70. Story Continues Continuing to work at that stage of life could also lead to more Social Security. The SSA accounts for your 35 highest-paid years of income when calculating your monthly benefit. If you’re able to replace a year of lower earnings with higher earnings, it could result in a larger benefit for you to enjoy once you decide to sign up. The decisions you make in the new year could impact the amount of money you get from Social Security down the line. Keep these moves on your radar, as they could lead to a more financially stable retirement. If you’re like most Americans, you’re a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known “Social Security secrets” could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $22,924 more… each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we’re all after. Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies. View the “Social Security secrets” » The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Social Security: 3 Ways to Get More Benefits in 2025 was originally published by The Motley Fool Source link #Ways #Benefits Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Samsung Galaxy S23 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S24 5G: Which is Better? Samsung Galaxy S23 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S24 5G: Which is Better? The Samsung Galaxy S24 is currently one of the best compact flagship Android smartphones available in the market. The handset from the brand brings the newest features with AI taking centre stage. The model from the South Korean brand offers flagship specifications like an AMOLED display, top-notch cameras, premium design, and more. We also have the Samsung Galaxy S23, which is still a viable option for those who want to experience a flagship from the company. The handset still offers top-notch features and specifications and a compact yet premium design language. So, the question here is: Which one should you choose? Should you go with the Galaxy S24? Or, instead, save some money and buy Galaxy S23? To help you make an informed decision, we have pitted both devices against each other so that you can get an idea of which makes sense for your needs. So, without further ado, let’s get started. Samsung Galaxy S23 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S24 5G: Price in India The Samsung Galaxy S23 5G price in India currently starts at Rs 41,999 for the base variant with 8GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The top-end 8GB RAM + 256GB model is currently available for as low as Rs 50,000 on online e-commerce platforms. The Samsung Galaxy S24 5G price in India currently starts at Rs 57,499 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage option after all the discounts and offers. The 8GB RAM and 256GB model is available for as low as Rs 60,000. Samsung Galaxy S23 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S24 5G: Design The Galaxy S23 5G comes with an armour aluminium frame and packs Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 glass on the front and back panels. The handset also features an IP68 rating, making it water and dust-resistant. The handset is available in Phantom ******, Green, Cream and Lavender colour options. The Galaxy S23 5G measures 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6mm and weighs 168 grams. The Galaxy S24 5G also features a slightly similar design language as compared to the Galaxy S23 5G. The model also features an armour aluminium frame, and for the first time, the components are made of recycled cobalt and rare earth elements. Moreover, the handset also features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. The phone is available in Moreover, the handset is available in Onyx ******, Marble Gray, Cobalt Violet and Amber Yellow colour options. The Galaxy S24 5G measures 147 x 70.6 x 7.6mm and weighs 167 grams. Samsung Galaxy S23 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S24 5G: Display The Samsung Galaxy S23 5G packs a 6.1-inch Full HD+ Infinity-O Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. The screen comes with a resolution of 1080×2340 pixels coupled with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. It also features up to 1,750nits of peak brightness, 240Hz of touch sampling rate, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. The Galaxy S24 5G packs a 6.2-inch FHD+ Infinity-O Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. The device offers a resolution of 1080×2340 pixels and packs Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. The device also features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2,600nits of peak brightness. Samsung Galaxy S23 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S24 5G: Performance and OS In terms of performance, the Samsung Galaxy S23 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that is specially made for the Galaxy handset. The chipset offers an Adreno 740 GPU. It also packs 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The Samsung Galaxy S24 5G is loaded with a deca-core Samsung Exynos 2400 chipset. It also comes equipped with a Samsung Xclipse 940 GPU. The handset comes loaded with 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. In terms of software, both the models run on Android 14, and the brand has promised three years of OS upgrades and four years of security updates. Samsung Galaxy S23 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S24 5G: Cameras In terms of cameras, the Samsung Galaxy S23 5G packs a triple-camera setup. The device features a 50-megapixel dual-pixel primary sensor with OIS support, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens with 120-degree FoV, and a 10-megapixel telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom and OIS support. On the front, the handset comes equipped with a 12-megapixel Dual Pixel selfie camera with an AI object-aware engine. Coming to the Galaxy S24 5G, the handset also features a triple-camera setup on the rear panel. The device features a 50-megapixel primary sensor with OIS support and f/1.8 aperture, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens with 120-degree FoV, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS support. On the front, the device features a 12-megapixel shooter for selfies and video calling. Samsung Galaxy S23 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S24 5G: Battery In terms of battery, the Samsung Galaxy S23 5G features a 3,900mAh battery. The Galaxy S24 packs a slightly ******* 4,000mAh battery. Both models offer 25W wired fast charging, Qi wireless charging and a wireless power share. Samsung Galaxy S23 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S24 5G: Conclusion The Samsung Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S24 are among the top offerings from the South Korean giant. The Samsung Galaxy S23 (Review) is perfect for those who want to experience a flagship offering from the brand without putting a deep ***** in their pocket. The Galaxy S24 (Review) currently stands as one of the best compact flagship smartphones from Samsung that brings all the latest features and specifications. Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 comparison Key Specs Display 6.20-inch 6.10-inch Processor octa-core Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Front Camera 12-megapixel 12-megapixel Rear Camera 50-megapixel + 12-megapixel + 10-megapixel 50-megapixel + 12-megapixel + 10-megapixel RAM 8GB 8GB Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB Battery Capacity 4000mAh 3,900mAh OS Android 14 Android 13 Source link #Samsung #Galaxy #S23 #Samsung #Galaxy #S24 Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Man charged with ******* after stabbings at market Man charged with ******* after stabbings at market BBC The stabbings happened on East Street on Sunday morning A man in his 60s has been charged with ******* after a man was ******* and two others were injured in a stabbing ******* at a market in south London. Police were called to reports of a number of people stabbed in East Street in Walworth at about 10:40 GMT on Sunday. The Metropolitan Police said officers found three people with serious injuries and one of them, Hilkiah McLeggan, 77, from Southwark, ***** at the scene. Two other men were taken to hospital and both remain there, with one of them in a critical condition. Ali Musse, 66, of no fixed address, has also been charged with two counts of attempted ******* and is due to appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. Mr McLeggan’s family are aware of his ****** and are receiving support from specialist officers, the Met said. There will be an increased police presence in the area to provide reassurance, the Met says Ch Supt Seb Adjei-Addoh, who leads the Met’s policing in Southwark, described what happened as “horrific”, and thanked members of the public who helped officers at the scene. “There will be an increased policing presence in the Walworth area as we work alongside our partners to provide reassurance to local people and small businesses operating in East Street,” he added. “Lastly, we are aware of posts circulating on social media, implying that this was a ********** incident. Our inquiries indicate this is not the case and we ask the public not to speculate.” The force urged anyone with information to call 101, or to contact CrimeStoppers anonymously. Source link #Man #charged #******* #stabbings #market Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

ADCA 2024-25: Grigson century keeps Lions’ winning streak rolling, Peaks join Magpies with three B-grade wins ADCA 2024-25: Grigson century keeps Lions’ winning streak rolling, Peaks join Magpies with three B-grade wins Three teams remain unbeaten after four rounds of the Albany and Districts Cricket Association B-grade competition with Royals and Manypeaks registering big wins on Sunday. The Lions roared to a fourth straight win, chasing down a big total at Turf East to remain undefeated in 2024-25. Their win followed a superb century from left-hander Harry Grigson, who lifted his side over the line with 10 ****** to spare. Grigson smacked nine fours and three sixes in his ton that came off just 72 ******, after the Lions slipped to 3-22 early in the chase. Set 222 to win after Narrikup won the toss and batted first, the Lions recovered from their early demise thanks to a 100-run partnership from Grigson and Riley Bessen. Bessen made 36 before he fell to spinner Craig Halligan (1-42), but Grigson powered his side to victory in the 44th over with three wickets in hand. Mitch Murdoch (2-17) and Ryan Guilfoyle (2-56) both snared multiple wickets for Narrikup. Narrikup were bowled out for 221 earlier after a terrific half-century from Alec Haskins. Haskins made 69 from just 66 ******, including two sixes, to go with strong contributions from John Miell (37) and Murdoch (34). Bailey Daubney was the pick of the Lions’ bowlers with 4-34, and Bessen chipped in with 3-20. At Proctor Oval, Peaks notched a third straight win, skittling Mt Barker for less than 100 before some nervous moments with the bat. The Bulls won the toss and batted first but only Philip Baker (42) made a meaningful score as his side were all out for 91. Opener Riley Wood was on ***** with 4-20, while Boney Thomas (2-26), Jon Brodala (2-22) and Wade Anning (2-9) also played key roles with the ball. Set just 92 to win, the home side slumped to 3-4 before some middle-order resistance from Brodala (24) and Gary McGlade (19). However, a five-wicket haul from Bull Todd Hammond (5-20) had his side back in the game. When Cameron Golding was Hammond’s fifth scalp, Peaks were 9-69 and staring down the barrel of defeat. Thomas made 16 not out, and combined with No.11 Josh Wallis (9no) to steer Peaks to a tense one-wicket win. Denmark, who had the round-four bye, are also unbeaten so far this season. In the other B-grade fixture, Collingwood Park recorded their first win of the season, beating Railways by seven wickets at Hard North. The Tigers batted first and were bowled out for 189 after strong knocks from Will Watson (62) and Sam Slater (45). Half-centuries from Jarrod Hansen (58) and Andrew Hagnhofer (64no) were enough to lift Park to victory in the 38th over. In the C-grade competition, Denmark were big winners over Narrikup in Narrikup. Jake Schwarzbach led the way for the Magpies with 5-18 as Narrikup were dismissed for 55 before the Magpies made 136 in reply. Albany Sharks notched an eight-wicket win over Railways at Tigerland, as Mikael Philipps tore through the Tigers’ top order with 4-24. Manypeaks were too good for Royals in the other game, highlighted by 84 from opener Paul McSweeney. Source link #ADCA #Grigson #century #Lions #winning #streak #rolling #Peaks #join #Magpies #Bgrade #wins Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Why is Chris Wallace Leaving CNN? Exit Explained Why is Chris Wallace Leaving CNN? Exit Explained Speculation is mounting over anchor Chris Wallace’s recent exit from CNN, stirring buzz in the media world. As a respected political journalist, his shift from cable to independent platforms has sparked curiosity about his next steps. So, what prompted Wallace’s departure, and what does his future hold? Let’s ***** into the details of his career shift and explore what might be on the horizon for the revered broadcaster. Chris Wallace announces exit from CNN Chris Wallace has announced his departure from CNN after a three-year tenure, marking the end of his contract with the network. Wallace shared his plans to move into independent media, exploring opportunities in streaming or podcasting. Wallace’s decision comes after a high-profile career spanning over five decades, with notable roles at NBC, ABC, Fox News, and most recently, CNN, where he joined in 2021. His time at CNN included the launch of Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace? on the short-lived CNN+ streaming service, which continued on Max after CNN+ closed (via The Daily ******). This move reflects broader shifts in media as audiences turn increasingly to digital platforms. Traditional cable networks now face reduced viewership and financial strain. As Wallace begins his next career phase, he expressed gratitude toward CNN. He described his choice as a proactive shift to new media and not a response to dissatisfaction. This move honors his family’s broadcasting legacy as he redefines his path in the evolving digital media landscape. CNN Chief Executive Mark Thompson said, “Chris Wallace is one of the most respected political journalists in the news business with a unique track record across radio, print, broadcast television, cable television and streaming.” He further added, “We want to thank him for the dedication and wisdom he’s brought to all his work at CNN and to wish him the very best for the future.” The post Why is Chris Wallace Leaving CNN? Exit Explained appeared first on ComingSoon.net – Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Source link #Chris #Wallace #Leaving #CNN #Exit #Explained Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

M5 closed in Somerset as pedestrian, 17, ***** in collision M5 closed in Somerset as pedestrian, 17, ***** in collision The M5 in Somerset is closed in both directions after a 17-year-old girl ***** in a collision. Avon and Somerset Police said the incident, involving a pedestrian and a car, happened between junctions 24 for Bridgwater and 25 for Taunton at about 23:00 GMT on Monday. The force said the girl had ***** at the scene and her next of kin had been informed. No-one else was injured in the collision. Police said a mandatory referral had been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to recent prior police contact. National Highways said the road was expected to remain closed throughout Tuesday morning, while inquiries were carried out and repairs are made to make the motorway safe. A diversion is currently in place between the two junctions, along the A38, but drivers are advised to avoid the area and check traffic updates before setting off on journeys. The site of the ****** is near Creech Heathfield, close to Taunton. There are long delays on local roads, especially the A38 near North Petherton and Bridgwater. Motorists travelling southbound on the M5 are experiencing delays of 90 minutes, with seven miles of congestion. There are delays of 30 minutes and congestion for two miles northbound. Anyone who witnessed the collision or may have dashcam footage which could help the investigation is urged to contact police. Source link #closed #Somerset #pedestrian #***** #collision Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Memories Are Not Limited to Brain, New Study Claims Memories Are Not Limited to Brain, New Study Claims Scientists at New York University (NYU) have revealed research indicating that memory functions may not be exclusive to brain cells, with findings showing that non-brain cells in the body can also store memories. The study demonstrated that cells outside the brain, specifically kidney and nerve tissue cells, possess memory-like qualities typically associated with neurons. These findings have implications for advancing the understanding of memory processes and could inform new treatments for memory-related conditions. Memory Gene Activation in Non-Neural Cells The study was published in the journal Nature Communications. As per the study, the research team examined non-brain cells’ response to chemical signal patterns in laboratory settings. By emulating the neurological “massed-spaced effect,” the team sought to test whether the spacing of signal patterns—analogous to spaced learning intervals in humans—would influence these cells’ ability to “remember.” The study further revealed that exposing kidney and nerve cells to these intervals resulted in the activation of a “memory gene,” a process previously thought to be unique to neurons. To track this activation, the cells were engineered to produce a glowing protein whenever the memory gene was turned on, providing visible markers of memory processing. Notably, the non-neural cells showed a stronger and longer-lasting gene response when the chemical signals were spaced, rather than delivered in a single extended pulse. Implications for Health and Understanding Memory This study introduces a fresh perspective on cellular memory, potentially shifting future research to consider non-brain cells as integral to memory storage and function. Kukushkin, alongside Professor Thomas Carew from NYU’s Center for Neural Science, suggests that understanding non-neural memory could be instrumental in developing innovative approaches to enhance learning or address health issues such as glucose management and ******* cell response to treatment. The research adds a new dimension to the study of memory, indicating that memory functions could be a general cellular property rather than a feature limited to brain cells alone. Source link #Memories #Limited #Brain #Study #Claims Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Innovating with weather data at the Met Office Innovating with weather data at the Met Office Thank you for joining! Access your Pro+ Content below. 12 November 2024 Innovating with weather data at the Met Office Share this item with your network: In this week’s Computer Weekly, we find out how the Met Office is using its vast stores of weather data to create innovative new products. Our latest buyer’s guide looks into identity and access management systems. And we examine the geopolitical threats that could curb the openness of open source. Read the issue now. Source link #Innovating #weather #data #Met #Office Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

From Narrogin to Oxford University, Michael Gentle awarded 2025 Australia-at-Large Rhodes Scholarship From Narrogin to Oxford University, Michael Gentle awarded 2025 Australia-at-Large Rhodes Scholarship A graduate raised in a small Wheatbelt town will soon begin his Masters degree at the prestigious University of Oxford thanks to an internationally renowned scholarship. Michael Gentle was one of nine Australians to receive the Australia-at-Large Rhodes Scholarship 2025 to study at the university. Raised on a hobby farm in Wandering, Mr Gentle said he had big aspirations as a child, which flourished when he moved to Narrogin Senior High School. While representing NSHS at Youth parliament in 2018, Mr Gentle heard about the *********** Rhodes Scholarship. His interest in politics led him to move to John Curtin College of the Arts for years 11 and 12 as NSHS did not offer the subject but soon changed course to English. The 21-year-old remained in Fremantle and attended the University of Western Australia in 2021. He then transferred to Melbourne University to complete his Bachelor of Arts in 2022. Next year, he will study a Master of Studies in History of Art and Visual Culture and a Master of Studies in World Literature in English at Oxford University. Mr Gentle said his family was ecstatic. “My mum, dad, and siblings were all very excited and supportive,” he said. “Mum is the most humble, kind, intelligent person I’ve ever met in my life — she can poke through and see exactly what you need to see which is a helpful sentiment to have when applying for these things because they feel very systematic.” Camera IconAustralia-at-Large Rhodes Scholarship recipients Jason Lu, chair of the ***********-at-Large panel Justice Michelle Gordon AC, Michael Gentle, and Corey Blyth. Credit: David Fanner David Fanner The student submitted his application two days before the August 12 closing date and was interviewed at Government House in Melbourne in late August before being announced as the Victorian Rhodes Scholarship runner-up. Despite falling short in the State division, Mr Gentle went against 15 candidates for the *********** scholarship at the Government House in Canberra where he attended his final interview on October 29. The Justice of the High Court informed him of his success the following day. Mr Gentle said it was an emotional whirlwind. “I was just in shock I didn’t believe it — very overwhelmed but filled with joy,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to do things like this but never thought it would be possible from a financial or conceptual point of view. “The lady said something very beautiful to me, ‘all the way from Narrogin, now you’re off to Oxford’, which felt affirming because all that hard work was worth it.” Mr Gentle said he was inspired by the support he had in Narrogin growing up to pursue these enterprises. “I feel very grateful for the educational experience I had at Narrogin and the wonderful care the teachers and the community had for one another was always really important,” he said. “I had a conversation with Joan Armstrong who said ‘one day you’ll look back and all the poignant people in your life ring clear and true’ and that’s definitely happened. “I had a wonderful English teacher in Year Seven, he was incredible and showed me my love of English and literature. “My year 10 English teacher Ms Lavan encouraged me to pursue whatever I needed to do to bring joy. “I’ve always believed in studying what brings you joy, there’s a narrative of studying something to get a job which I’ve never believed in.” Camera IconDenise Lavan. Credit: Katanning Senior High School Former NSHS English teacher Denise Lavan said she was in awe. “I thought he’d always do big things, he had huge ambition and was prepared to put in the hard yards,” she said. “I’m touched he remembered and that I had an impact on him. “To think someone from Narrogin has achieved such an incredible thing — Narrogin can put you on the map and give you the skills, it’s a one-up for public education.” The young art historian and curator plans to spend the next three to four years at Oxford dedicating his research to colonial *********** landscape portraiture and contemporary First Nations practice in literature and art. Camera IconAustralia-at-Large Rhodes Scholarship interview panel, Government House secretaries, and the three Australia-at-Large Rhodes Scholarship recipients. Credit: David Fanner Source link #Narrogin #Oxford #University #Michael #Gentle #awarded #AustraliaatLarge #Rhodes #Scholarship Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Boeing wins $10bn jet order in vote of confidence after seven-week strike Boeing wins $10bn jet order in vote of confidence after seven-week strike Boeing has won a $10bn (£7.8bn) order for 737 Max jets in the first deal secured by the US manufacturer since the end of a seven-week strike. Dublin-based aircraft leasing firm Avia has struck a deal with Boeing for 80 jets, coming as a boost for the US company following weeks of turmoil. Boeing has been grappling with a staff walkout which crippled production and led to an estimated $10bn in losses for the plane maker, its customers and suppliers, and the Seattle-area economy. Kelly Ortberg, chief executive of Boeing, was forced to agree to a 38pc pay rise for 33,000 assembly-line workers in order to end the dispute after two previous offers were voted down. The purchase will also be seen as a vote of confidence in the Max, which was grounded earlier this year. It followed an investigation into the near-disastrous door-panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines jet at 16,000 feet, which revealed a litany of quality control and safety issues. Gediminas Žiemelis, chairman of Avia, said he was confident that Boeing would bounce back from the crisis and that the 737 Max 8 model was the best option for his company. Its customers include British Airways, holiday giant TUI and discounters Wizz and Jet2. He said: “We are big believers in Boeing. The Max is a flexible aircraft that is suited to operating across the world.” Boeing’s 737 Max competes with the Airbus A320neo in the short-haul jet market – via REUTERS/Jennifer Buchanan Deliveries from the deal, which comprises 40 firm orders plus 40 options worth around $10bn at list prices, will commence in 2030. Mr Žiemelis said that no other lessors are due to be taking the Max 8 around that time “which will give us an advantage in being able to offer these jets to our customers”. Brad McMullen, Boeing’s senior vice president for commercial sales, said the agreement reflected the enthusiasm of Avia’s airline clients for the Max, which competes with the Airbus A320neo in the short-haul jet market. Still, the more than 6,400 orders that Boeing has won for the Max remain well short of the near-11,000 secured by its ********* rival for the A320neo family. For Avia, the world’s biggest provider of airliners for seasonal hire, the deal represents a first-ever purchase of new jets as it moves to meet burgeoning demand from carriers. Avia’s business model allows airlines in the *** and Europe to meet the surge in summer demand without being stuck with excess capacity as bookings wane in the winter. It offers them an alternative to buying planes outright or hiring them on traditional long-term leases. The company, which transports more than 35m passengers annually for clients – double the number carried by Jet2, for example – provides aircraft on so-called wet leases, complete with crew, maintenance and insurance. Story Continues The purchase from Boeing promises to expand Avia’s current fleet of 220 aircraft by more than a third. Mr Žiemelis said wet leasing represents an easy pathway for scheduled airlines to boost their margins, delivering a typical improvement in profitability of 2-3pc. Avia’s strategy relies on it being able to place jets with customers in the southern hemisphere when they are no longer required further north. The firm has a licence to operate planes in Australia and Indonesia. It is still working to fulfil requirements to do so in Brazil, Malaysia and Thailand. Qantas, ******* Australia and Azul are among prospective clients. Mr Žiemelis said: “Our fleet needs to be adaptable for the entire global market. The planes are like migrating birds, flying from where it is cold to where it is warm to meet demand.” Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Source link #Boeing #wins #10bn #jet #order #vote #confidence #sevenweek #strike Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Inaugural Australia-Philippines Defence Ministers’ Meeting tackles China aggression in the South China Sea Inaugural Australia-Philippines Defence Ministers’ Meeting tackles China aggression in the South China Sea Australia has doubled down on a strategic partnership following escalating aggression from China in a key body of water. Source link #Inaugural #AustraliaPhilippines #Defence #Ministers #Meeting #tackles #China #aggression #South #China #Sea Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Red kites and buzzards are being ******* by misuse of rat poisons Red kites and buzzards are being ******* by misuse of rat poisons Red kites have been found with high levels of rodenticides in their livers TheOtherKev/Pixabay Raptors across England are being ******* by the widespread misuse of rat poisons and the problem is getting worse, in spite of a *** government prevention scheme, according to a report from Wild Justice, a not-for-profit environmental group. “The degree of harm that the misuse of rodenticides is causing to our wildlife is incredibly worrying,” says broadcaster Chris Packham, co-director of Wild Justice. “The voluntary code of practice is utterly useless – it’s just not working.” Source link #Red #kites #buzzards #******* #misuse #rat #poisons Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Two Utah men federally charged after getting $40 million through ****** scheme Two Utah men federally charged after getting $40 million through ****** scheme SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A federal grand jury has returned a true bill of indictment on two Utah men who stand accused of running a multi-million dollar ****** investment scheme. Aaron Wagner and Michael Mains, are reported to have run a scheme meant to induce lenders to send millions of dollars to entities controlled by the two men. Meet ‘Archie’: How the Utah Hockey Club is helping raise a future service dog Both Wagner and Mains are charged with the following: Four counts of wire ******. One count of *********** to commit wire ******. Six counts of transactional money laundering. Five counts of money laundering — concealment of wire ****** proceeds. According to federal indictment documents, both Mains and Wagner are accused of siphoning money from investors to their own accounts. The funds given to them by investors were supposed to go to the opening of several chain restaurants. Included in that list of restaurants were the following: 10 ****** Bird restaurants 10 Kokonut Island Grill restaurants 10 Hello Sugar restaurants “Wagner represented to lenders or investors that the funds would be used for developing certain restaurants, but in fact intended to use the funds for personal expenses or investments, or to prop up projects for other investor groups (which also included himself as an investor). In all, he brought in more than $40 million from investors,” court documents state. Documents also say that the two men “diverted $9 million to their own purposes. For instance, they used that money instead to fund down payments to purchase a $4 million second home for Wagner in Scottsdale, Arizona, an $8 million personal airplane for Wagner and Mains, a $4.5million commercial property to be developed into a nightclub called ‘SWAGS’, and an $8 million real estate property in Missoula, Montana.” Should the two be convicted, they would forfeit an SR22 aircraft, an $8 million real estate property in Missoula, property in Alpine, and property in Scottsdale, Arizona. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Source link #Utah #men #federally #charged #million #****** #scheme Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

22-year-old man arrested after allegedly doing burnouts with 11-month-old in car at ****** site of Jady Turner 22-year-old man arrested after allegedly doing burnouts with 11-month-old in car at ****** site of Jady Turner A 22-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly doing burnouts at the site of a fatal ****** with an 11-month-old baby in the car. Source link #22yearold #man #arrested #allegedly #burnouts #11monthold #car #****** #site #Jady #Turner Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Bluesky adds 700,000 new members as users flee X after the US election | Bluesky Bluesky adds 700,000 new members as users flee X after the US election | Bluesky Social media platform Bluesky has picked up more than 700,000 new users in the week since the US election, as users seek to escape misinformation and offensive posts on X. The influx, largely from North America and the ***, has helped Bluesky reach 14.5 million users worldwide, up from 9 million in September, the company said. Social media researcher Axel Bruns said the platform offered an alternative to X, formerly Twitter, including a more effective system for blocking or suspending problematic accounts and policing harmful behaviour. “It’s become a refuge for people who want to have the kind of social media experience that Twitter used to provide, but without all the far-right activism, the misinformation, the hate speech, the bots and everything else,” he said. “The more ******** kind of Twitter community has really now escaped from there and seems to have moved en masse to Bluesky.” Bluesky began as a project inside Twitter but became an independent company in 2022, and is now primarily owned by chief executive Jay Graber. The platform has previously benefited from dissatisfaction with X and its billionaire owner, Elon Musk, who is closely tied to US president-elect Donald Trump’s successful election campaign. Twitter shed millions of users after rebranding to X and usage in the US slumped by more than a fifth in the subsequent seven months. Bluesky reported picking up 3 million new users in the week after X was suspended in Brazil in September and a further 1.2 million in the two days after X announced it would allow users to view posts from people who had blocked them. “We’re excited to welcome all of these new people, ranging from Swifties to wrestlers to city planners,” Bluesky spokesperson Emily Liu said. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a historian and professor at New York University, had 250,000 followers on X but picked up 21,000 followers in her first day on Bluesky this week. “I am still on X but after January, when X could be owned by a de facto member of the Trump administration, its functions as a Trump *********** outlet and far-right radicalization machine could be accelerated,” she said. Bluesky is still second to Threads in the social networking category on Apple’s US App Store, which reported reaching 275 million monthly active users in November, up from 200 million in August. The independent platform has recently added features including direct messaging and video compatibility to more closely resemble X and distinguish itself from its Meta-owned competitor. Ben-Ghiat has found the site’s “starter packs”, or groups of people with similar expertise and interest, a refreshing way in. “[They] promise to give Bluesky some of what I valued on Twitter/X: informed takes on a subject from multiple points of view,” she said. Bruns, a professor at Queensland University of Technology’s Digital Media Research Center, said the ********** in user numbers had created “growing pains” as new users learned to navigate the site but was ultimately adding to the site’s momentum. “It really feels like a throwback to those days of the early excitement about social media in many ways, and that’s what, at the moment, attracts quite a few people,” he said. “It just makes it more vibrant, more active place.” On Monday night, New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez posted that she was “back” on Bluesky, saying “Good **** it’s nice to be in a digital space with other real human beings.” Her post was liked by 27,000 people. Source link #Bluesky #adds #members #users #flee #election #Bluesky Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Assisted dying bill: What it means for patients Assisted dying bill: What it means for patients A new law has been proposed to legalise assisted dying for some terminally ill adults in England and Wales. Mentally competent adults with a life expectancy of six months or less who have a settled wish to **** that has been approved by two doctors and the High Court would be able to do so under the proposed legislation for England and Wales. Ahead of its publication on Tuesday, Labour MP Kim Leadbeater insisted her private member’s bill would offer the “safest choice” for mentally competent adults at the end of their lives. She said the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill would make it ******** for someone to persuade a person through dishonesty, coercion or pressure to declare they wanted to end their life or to induce someone to self-administer drugs to ****. Anyone found guilty of doing so would face a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. Critics argue the controversial legislation, which is likely to run to more than 40 pages, is being “rushed with indecent haste” and that MPs will not have adequate time to scrutinise it before the 29 November debate. Labour MP Kim Leadbeater (centre) previously joining Dignity in Dying campaigners in Parliament Square outside the Houses of Parliament (PA Wire) Here, we take a look at the details of the bill as it is set to be published. What is assisted dying? This, and the language used, varies depending on who you ask. Pro-change campaigners Dignity in Dying say that assisted dying allows a person with a terminal condition the choice to control their ****** if they decide their suffering is unbearable. They argue that, along with good care, dying people who are terminally ill and mentally competent adults deserve the choice to control the timing and manner of their ******. But the campaign group Care Not ******** uses the terms “assisted ********” and “euthanasia”, and argues that the focus should be on “promoting more and better palliative care” rather than any law change. They say legalising assisted dying could “place pressure on vulnerable people to end their lives for ***** of being a financial, emotional or care burden upon others” and argue the disabled, elderly, ***** or depressed could be especially at risk. What is the current law? Assisted ******** is banned in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. In Scotland, it is not a specific ********* offence but assisting the ****** of someone can leave a person open to being charged with ******* or other offences. What is happening at Westminster? Labour MP Kim Leadbeater formally introduced her bill to give choice at the end of life for the terminally ill in October. A debate and first vote are expected to take place on 29 November. If the bill passes the first stage in the Commons, it will go to committee stage where MPs can table amendments, before facing further scrutiny and votes in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, meaning any change in the law would not be agreed until next year at the earliest. Ms Leadbeater’s bill would apply only to England and Wales. Liz Carr is among those opposed to an assisted dying law (PA Wire) What is in the bill? There are several requirements for someone to be eligible under the proposed law. The person must be an ****** – aged 18 or older – and be resident in England and Wales and registered with a GP for at least 12 months. They must have the mental capacity to make a choice about the end of their life and be deemed to have expressed a clear, settled and informed wish – free from coercion or pressure – to end their life. They must be terminally ill and be expected to **** within six months. They must make two separate declarations, witnessed and signed, about their wish to ****. The process must involve two independent doctors being satisfied the person is eligible and the medics can consult a specialist in the person’s condition and get an assessment from an expert in mental capacity if deemed necessary. A High Court judge must hear from at least one of the doctors regarding the application and can also question the dying person as well as anyone else they consider appropriate. There must be at least seven days between the two doctors making their assessments and a further 14 days after the judge has made a ruling, unless the person’s ****** is expected imminently. What safeguards are there? It would be ******** for someone to pressure, coerce or use dishonesty to get someone to make a declaration that they wish to end their life or to induce someone to self-administer an approved substance. If someone is found guilty of either of these actions, they could face a jail sentence of up to 14 years. Would doctors have to take part in the service of assisted dying? No. Doctors would not be under any obligation to take part. Doctors who do would have to be satisfied the person making their declaration to **** has made it voluntarily and not been coerced or pressured by anyone else. They would also be required to ensure the person is making an informed choice, including being made aware of their other treatment options such as palliative and hospice care. Doctors would not have to take part in an assisted dying service in England and Wales (PA Archive) Who would administer the medication? The dying person must take the medication themselves. No doctor or anyone else can give the medication to the terminally ill person. Will there be any scrutiny of how the new law operates? The chief medical officers in England and Wales and the Health Secretary would be required to monitor and report on the operation of the law. The health secretary would also be required to report on the availability, quality and distribution of appropriate health services to people with palliative care needs, including pain and symptom management, psychological support for those people and their families, and information about palliative care and how to access it. Has the issue been voted on at Westminster before? Not for almost a decade. An Assisted Dying Bill, which would have allowed some terminally ill adults to ask for medical help to end their life, went before the Commons in 2015 and was rejected by MPs. There was also a bill proposed in the House of Lords during the 2021/2022 session which reached a second reading in the chamber, while a Westminster Hall debate on assisted dying took place in July 2022. Are MPs guaranteed a vote on the bill next month? No. Bills such as this are known as private members’ bills (PMBs) and are considered during Friday sittings. The time available to consider them is from 9.30am until 2.30pm. If the debate is still ongoing at 2.30pm then it is adjourned and the bill falls to the bottom of the list, which means it is highly unlikely to make any further progress. A closure motion can be moved to curtail the debate and force a vote. It may be moved at any time during proceedings. On Friday sittings, an MP seeking to move such a motion tends to do so at around 1pm. If approved, the House then votes on whether or not to give the bill a second reading. If rejected, the House resumes the debate and the bill is unlikely to progress. Source link #Assisted #dying #bill #means #patients Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Signal Updated With Call Links Feature, Raise Hand Button, Emoji Reactions and More Improvements Signal Updated With Call Links Feature, Raise Hand Button, Emoji Reactions and More Improvements Signal has been updated with support for several new features that are designed to improve the user experience for group calls on the platform. The latest version of Signal or Android, iOS, and the desktop client now support the new Call Links feature that allows users to start a group call with several users, without creating a separate group chat. Other features that are part of the update include a new “raise hand” button, emoji reactions, and a new tab for calls on the Signal app. Signal Updated With Call Links Feature: How it Works After updating to the latest version of Signal on Android, iOS, and Signal Desktop, users will be able to create a call link, which can be shared with any user on Signal. The feature is designed to work seamlessly, like joining a Google Meet or Microsoft Teams call from a URL. Call Links on Signal work on iOS, Android, and the Signal Desktop app Photo Credit: Signal Previously, users had to create a group chat before initiating a call, which involved added each member manually. Now, users can send the Call Link to multiple people in their contact list — Signal currently limits group calls to 50 participants. Once a call link is created, users can keep Signal is widely regarded as one of the most secure messaging platforms, and the non-profit says that the Call Links feature includes a feature to control who can join a call. When the Require Admin Approval option is toggled, the person who created the call will need approve each participant. Signal Adds Raise Hand Button, Emoji Reactions, and Calling Enhancements In addition to the new Call Links feature, Signal has also added a new Raise Hand button that brings the same functionality available on apps like Microsoft Teams and Google Meet to the encrypted messenger. The app will also display a list of participants who have selected the Raise Hand button. Another popular feature with video collaboration apps — emoji reactions — can now be used on Signal for Android, iOS, and the Signal Desktop app. The messaging app has also added a new Calls tab at the bottom of the screen, allowing users to see their call history and manage their call links. In-call UI improvements, such as new call control buttons, are also available with the latest update. Source link #Signal #Updated #Call #Links #Feature #Raise #Hand #Button #Emoji #Reactions #Improvements Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Mineral Resources board ducks and weaves on ASX disclosure grilling Mineral Resources board ducks and weaves on ASX disclosure grilling Mineral Resources claims it had no need to disclose Chris Ellison’s secret dealings through a tax haven company in last month’s annual report — despite the board gaining a full briefing on the scandal in May. In response to stock exchange queries, MinRes has ducked questions about why it ******* to disclose its dealings with Ellison-controlled British ******* Islands company Far East Equipment Holdings in its annual reports from 2006 to 2008. “Excluding the knowledge of Mr Ellison, the present board would be speculating in expressing a view as to the reason disclosure was not made in the annual reports,” MinRes said in answers signed by company secretary Mark Wilson and released after the market closed on Tuesday. Mr Ellison ******** managing director of MinRes despite a damning report about his dealings and confirming he struck a $3.94m settlement with the tax office last year over his Far East dealings. That settlement related to profits on up to $10 million of machinery sales by Far East, including sales in 2003 and 2004 that left MinRes owing the tax haven company $3.79m when it floated in 2006. The MinRes investigation found the Far East loans were ******* in MinRes’ business liabilities and no related party disclosures of the debts and payments were made from 2006 to 2009. But the scandal, revealed in media reports since October 20, has triggered an investigation by the *********** Securities and Investments Commission and a series of questions from stock exchange officials. The ASX queries focused on MinRes not disclosing Mr Ellison’s troubles related to his dealings through Far East despite the company admitting it received information from a whistleblower in June 2022. It also admitted receiving what it described as more detailed allegations in July 2023 and “substantive detail regarding these matters in November 2023”, as well as a board briefing in May on the investigation. Yet there was no mention of the scandal in the MinRes 2023-24 annual report, filed with the stock exchange on October 21. In response to the latest query, Mr Wilson said the Far East dealings should have been disclosed by the company before June 2022 but were not. Mr Wilson said no disclosure was made of the dealings with Mr Ellison and other directors in the 2022, 2023 and 2024 annual reports. Asked why not, the MinRes company secretary said the last payment was made to Far East and its liability discharged in January 2008. The MinRes board did not consider the “historical dealings” between Far East and MinRes to be “materially price sensitive information”. “Accordingly, MinRes does not consider that there was a requirement to make retrospective disclosure in respect of these historical dealings,” said Mr Wilson, defending the non-disclosure in the 2023-24 annual report. Source link #Mineral #Resources #board #ducks #weaves #ASX #disclosure #grilling Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Giant ‘**** of Darkness’ Asteroid May Not Escape Earth Unscathed Giant ‘**** of Darkness’ Asteroid May Not Escape Earth Unscathed An asteroid named for the ancient Egyptian **** of darkness and disorder may not pose a hazard to Earth, but that does not mean Earth is not a hazard to it. When asteroid 99942 Apophis flies closely past Earth in 2029, the gravitational interaction between the two bodies is likely to dramatically alter the asteroid’s surface. That’s the conclusion of an investigation led by planetary scientist Ronald Ballouz of Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, who believes their findings may offer an explanation for why some asteroids have surfaces younger than their time tumbling through space would indicate. 99942 Apophis is a cheeky one. Upon its discovery in 2004, scientists calculated the the 335-meter (1,100-foot) chunk of rock’s trajectory could potentially bring it onto a collision course with Earth on its approach in April 2029. Gave us a jolly good scare! Luckily, a scare was all it was. Scientists have crunched and re-crunched the numbers, then crunched them again for good measure. 99942 Apophis will fly by less than 32,000 kilometers (20,000 miles) from Earth in 2029 – but there’s no chance of it hitting our world in the next century. Apophis is thought to resemble asteroid Itokawa, pictured here, which in turn looks like a Kipfler potato. (ISAS/JAXA) But what of 99942 Apophis? Is it going to escape unscathed? As Ballouz and his team observed, near-Earth asteroids like 99942 Apophis tend to have two properties. Their surfaces are loose and rubbly; and they seem to show less space-weathering than asteroids that don’t experience planetary flybys. This is curious. Most asteroids are thought to be made from material that clumped together during the early days of the Solar System, 4.5 billion years ago. Since then, they ought to have been flying around relatively unchanged. It’s why we send probes to take samples from them; their material is thought to represent a repository of pristine material from which the planets were made. However, even just hanging about in space can wreak changes. The solar wind, solar radiation, and micrometeoroid bombardment conspire to weather surfaces unprotected by an atmosphere; asteroids should be fair game. Ballouz and his team wondered if there might be a connection between the more youthful appearance of near-Earth asteroids and their near-Earth shenanigans. To find out, they conducted modeling of the 2029 99942 Apophis flyby of Earth. We don’t really know what shape the asteroid has, but what data we have obtained suggest that it is ***-lobed, perhaps a pair of joined objects not unlike the potato-shaped 25143 Itokawa. So, they took Itokawa as their base model, and tweaked the composition of their model asteroid to see what happens when they throw it past a model Earth. And they found that Earth’s gravity can, indeed, very plausibly have a detectable effect on 99942 Apophis. The most immediate effect would kick in as the asteroid draws in for its closest approach to Earth. As it whizzes by, the 99942 Apophis would shake in a series of short-term seismic events. These seismic events could be detectable, and produce surface accelerations of magnitudes similar to the asteroid’s gravity. The patterns created by lifting and falling boulders should be immediately detectable using Earth-based instruments. The second effect would be longer-term. As the asteroid nears Earth, the gravitational interaction could change the asteroid’s rotation. Over time, as the asteroid continues to tumble around the Sun with its new spin, the surface could slide around, refreshing itself over tens of thousands of years. According to a 2010 paper, the maximum asteroid-Earth flyby distance for an altered spin state is 16 Earth radii – around 102,000 kilometers. 99942 Apophis’ flyby distance is predicted to be a lot closer than that, so the possibility of surface alteration is high. We may not be able to test whether that alteration takes place, but we may be able to measure changes to the asteroid’s spin. We’re honestly pretty amped for the flyby. The asteroid will be visible to the ****** eye as it skims past Earth, granting us a rare opportunity, not just to wave at a passing asteroid, but study it in greater, closer detail than we are usually able. We just hope the mementos the asteroid carries away are fond ones. We don’t want it coming back like an asteroid pugilist, ready to give us what for. The research, accepted into The Planetary Science Journal, is available on arXiv. Related News Source link #Giant #**** #Darkness #Asteroid #Escape #Earth #Unscathed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Shell wins landmark climate case against green groups in Dutch appeal Shell wins landmark climate case against green groups in Dutch appeal Oil giant Shell has won a landmark case in the Dutch courts, overturning an earlier ruling requiring it to cuts its carbon emissions by 45%. The Hague court of appeal said it could not establish that Shell had a “social standard of care” to reduce its emissions by 45% or any other amount, even though it agreed the company had an obligation to citizens to limit emissions. Three years ago, a court in The Hague backed a case by Friends of the Earth and 17,000 Dutch citizens requiring Shell to reduce its CO2 emissions significantly, in line with the Paris climate accords. The ruling came as climate talks involving some 200 countries got under way in Azerbaijan. Environmental groups can now take their case against Shell to the Supreme Court – meaning that a final verdict in this far-reaching case may still be years away. At the time, the 2021 ruling marked the first time a court had ordered a private company to align its workings with the Paris climate agreement, meaning that it was not sufficient for a company simply to comply with the law – it had to comply with global climate policy too. Under the terms of the Paris Agreement on climate change, nearly 200 nations agreed to keep global temperatures “well below” 2C above pre-industrial levels. The appeals court judge said that companies such as Shell were obliged to contribute to combating climate change based on the human right to protection against dangerous climate change. However, the court said Shell was already working to reduce its emissions and the court could not establish whether it should make a 45% cut or another percentage, as there was no current accepted agreement in climate science on the required amount. Shell has argued that it is already taking “serious steps to reduce emissions”. It complained the original ruling was unfair as it singled out one company for a global issue, and said it was unrealistic to try to hold Shell accountable for its customers’ choices. Shell said if people considered progress was too slow towards cutting emissions then they should lobby governments rather than Shell to change policies and bring about a green transition. The oil firm says its aim is to reduce the carbon intensity of products it sells by 15-20% by 2030 from a 2016 baseline. Shell also aims to become a “net zero” emissions company by 2050. Part of the historic legal case hinged on the interpretation of an “unwritten duty of care” that exists under Dutch law, which requires companies to prevent hazardous negligence. Friends of the Earth Netherlands argued that there was an international consensus that human rights offered protection against dangerous climate change and that companies had to respect human rights. Shell’s successful appeal could have far-reaching implications for corporate climate responsibility. A number of environmental groups around the world are now trying to force companies and governments to comply with the accords through the courts. Source link #Shell #wins #landmark #climate #case #green #groups #Dutch #appeal Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Pay up or face climate disaster, UN chief warns summit Pay up or face climate disaster, UN chief warns summit ******* Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has told world leaders at the COP29 summit to “pay up” to prevent climate-led humanitarian disasters, and says time is running out to limit a destructive rise in global temperatures. Nearly 200 nations have gathered at the annual UN climate summit in Baku, focused this year on raising hundreds of billions of dollars to fund a global transition to cleaner energy sources and limit the climate damage caused by carbon emissions. But on the day of the summit designed to bring together world leaders and generate political momentum for the marathon negotiations, many of the leading players were not present to hear Guterres’ message. After victory for Donald Trump, a climate change denier, in the US presidential election, President Joe Biden will not attend. ******** President Xi Jinping has sent a deputy and ********* Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is not attending because of political developments in Brussels. “On climate finance, the world must pay up, or humanity will pay the price,” Guterres said in a speech on Tuesday. “The sound you hear is the ticking clock. We are in the final countdown to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius and time is not on our side.” This year is set to be the hottest on record. Scientists say evidence shows global warming and its impacts are unfolding faster than expected and the world may already have hit 1.5C of warming above the average pre-industrial temperature – a critical threshold beyond which it is at risk of irreversible and extreme climate change. As COP29 began, unusual east coast US wildfires that triggered air quality warnings for New York continued to grow. In Spain, survivors are coming to terms with the worst floods in the country’s modern history and the Spanish government has announced billions of euros for reconstruction. The summit opened on Monday with a technical deal seen as critical to launching a UN-backed global carbon market that would fund billions of dollars of projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. That success was marred by a row over the summit priorities – a procedural tug-of-war that pitched ********* and small island countries against the ***** group of nations on how prominent the future of fossil fuels should be on the agenda. The opening procedures were delayed by at least five hours, ending in an eventual compromise reluctantly accepted by the EU and other aligned nations. At a news conference on Tuesday, COP29 officials sought to refocus attention on the summit’s primary goal – agreeing a deal for up to $US1 trillion ($A1.5 trillion) in annual climate finance for developing countries. “Enabling every country to take strong climate action is 100 per cent in all countries’ interests, even the largest and wealthiest. Why? Because the climate crisis is fast becoming an economy *******,” said Simon Stiell, head of the UNFCCC climate body that facilitates the summit. “Unless all countries can slash emissions deeply, every country and every household will be hammered even ******* than they currently are. We’ll be living in a permanent inflationary nightmare.” Source link #Pay #face #climate #disaster #chief #warns #summit Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

India thermal coal imports fall at fastest pace in 15 months India thermal coal imports fall at fastest pace in 15 months By Sudarshan Varadhan SINGAPORE (Reuters) – India’s imports of thermal coal plunged by about a third on an annual basis in October, according to data analytics firms Bigmint and Kpler, due to slowing power generation and higher clean energy output. Shipments into the world’s second-largest coal importer plunged 31.8% to 13.56 million metric tons, Bigmint data showed. This was the fastest rate of contraction in fifteen months, and the first consecutive decline since July 2023. Traders expect Indian purchases to pick up in the coming weeks, but that will not be enough to lift total annual imports above 2023 levels as shipments are expected to fall in the last two months of 2024 due to high inventories at ports. “Despite low industrial activity, traders have bought a high amount of coal into India,” said Vasudev Pamnani, director at Indian coal trading firm I-energy Natural Resources Ltd, adding that thermal coal imports for the year 2024 are expected to be flat at about 176 million tonnes. Indian shipments of the fuel used mainly for power generation have been tracking the trajectory of growth in shipments by top importer China over the last year, shoring up international prices. The decline in Indian imports in October was the first major divergence between imports by India and China since mid-2023. China’s imports of thermal and metallurgical coal rose 29% in October – mainly due to higher thermal coal imports – putting shipments of the fuel on track to reach another record high in 2024. While price-sensitive Indian buyers have shown a preference for cheaper domestic coal in recent months, analysts say imported coal has a price advantage over the domestic variety in China. Lower hydropower generation in China has also led to a higher dependence on coal in September, while higher hydro and solar power generation have reduced reliance on coal in India, data on Indian and ******** government websites showed. (Reporting by Sudarshan Varadhan; Additional reporting by Colleen Howe; Editing by Nicholas Yong) Source link #India #thermal #coal #imports #fall #fastest #pace #months Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]