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'Democracy and freedom': Jimmy Carter's human rights efforts in Latin America

With a focus on human rights, US policy toward Latin America under Jimmy Carter briefly tempered a long tradition of interventionism in a key sphere of American influence, analysts say. Carter, who died Sunday at the age of 100, defied the furor of US conservatives to negotiate the handover of the Panama Canal to Panamanian control, suspended aid to multiple authoritarian governments in the region, and even attempted to normalize relations with Cuba. Carter's resolve to chart a course toward democracy and diplomacy, however, was severely tested in Central America and Cuba, where he was forced to balance his human rights priorities with pressure from adversaries to combat the spread of communism amid the Cold War standoff with the Soviet Union. "Latin America was fundamental and his global policy was oriented toward human rights, democratic values and multilateral cooperation," political analyst Michael Shifter of the Inter-American Dialogue, a think tank in Washington, told AFP. During his 1977-1981 administration, which was sandwiched between the Republican presidencies of Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan, the Democrat sought to take a step back from US alignment with right-wing dictatorships in Latin America. An important symbol of Carter's approach was the signing of two treaties in 1977 to officially turn over the Panama Canal in 1999. "Jimmy Carter understood that if he did not return the canal to Panama, the relationship between the United States and Panama could lead to a new crisis in a country where Washington could not afford the luxury of instability," said Luis Guillermo Solis, a political scientist and former president of Costa Rica. Carter called the decision, which was wildly unpopular back home, "the most difficult political challenge I ever had," as he accepted Panama's highest honor in 2016. He also hailed the move as "a notable achievement of moving toward democracy and freedom." On Sunday, Panamanian President Jose Mulino praised Carter for helping his country achieve "full sovereignty." During his term, Carter opted not to support Nicaraguan strongman Anastasio Somoza, who was subsequently overthrown by the leftist Sandinista Front in 1979. But in El Salvador, the American president had to "make a very uncomfortable pact with the government," said Shifter. To prevent communists from taking power, Carter resumed US military assistance for a junta which then became more radical, engaging in civilian massacres and plunging El Salvador into a long civil war. Carter took a critical approach to South American dictatorships in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay, suspending arms deliveries and imposing sanctions in some cases. But his efforts "did not achieve any progress in terms of democratization," said Argentine political scientist Rosendo Fraga. More from this section The American president also tried to normalize relations with Cuba 15 years after the missile crisis. He relaxed sanctions that had been in force since 1962, supported secret talks and enabled limited diplomatic representation in both countries. "With him, for the first time, the possibility of dialogue rather than confrontation as a framework for political relations opened up," Jesus Arboleya, a former Cuban diplomat, told AFP. But in 1980, a mass exodus of 125,000 Cubans to the United States, with Fidel Castro's blessing, created an unexpected crisis. It "hurt Carter politically with the swarm of unexpected immigrants," said Jennifer McCoy, a professor of political science at Georgia State University. Castro continued to support Soviet-backed African governments and even deployed troops against Washington's wishes, finally putting an end to the normalization process. However, more than 20 years later, Carter made a historic visit to Havana as ex-president, at the time becoming the highest-profile American politician to set foot on Cuban soil since 1959. During the 2002 visit, "he made a bold call for the US to lift its embargo, but he also called on Castro to embrace democratic opening," said McCoy, who was part of the US delegation for the trip, during which Castro encouraged Carter to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Cuban All-Star baseball game. "Castro was sitting in the front row and we were afraid he would rise to give a long rebuttal to Carter's speech. But he didn't. He just said, 'Let's go to the ball game.'" Cubans "will remember with gratitude his efforts to improve relations," the island's current leader Miguel Diaz-Canel said on Sunday. In the years following Carter's presidency, Ronald Reagan (1981-1989) would go on to resume a full-frontal confrontation with Cuba. Decades later, Barack Obama (2009-2017) opened a new phase of measured normalization, which Donald Trump (2017-2021) brought to an end. US President Joe Biden promised to review US policy toward Cuba, but hardened his stance after Havana cracked down on anti-government protests in 2021. "Carter showed that engagement and diplomacy are more fruitful than isolation," McCoy said. bur-lp-rd-jb/lbc/mlr/bfm/sst/bbk/nro/acbPresident Jimmy Carter in Bangor in February 1978. Carter stayed overnight with a family in their home while in Bangor for a town hall meeting and to campaign for U.S. Senator Bill Hathaway. Photo courtesy of Buddy Murray Gov. Janet Mills said in a statement Sunday evening that she is mourning the loss of former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at his home in Georgia. Mills said Carter “led a remarkable life centered around service to others” and extended her condolences to his family. “President Carter spent his life working to make our world a better place. He was the moral conscience of a nation whose words and deeds demonstrated that the human capacity for kindness and goodness is limitless,” Mills wrote. “America has lost a true model of servant leadership.” Many in Maine had just celebrated Carter’s 100th birthday in October, remembering his visits to the Pine Tree state in the 1970s. In February 1978, he stayed with the Murray family in Bangor to campaign for U.S. Sen. Bill Hathaway, D-Maine, and to hold a town hall meeting. Cynthia Murray-Beliveau, told the Press Herald the visit felt “unreal.” “I remember thinking, ‘This is unreal. The president of the United States is in our living room,’” Murray-Beliveau said in October. Carter also played a key role in the careers of U.S. Sen. George Mitchell and former governor and U.S. Sen. Ed Muskie — who served as Carter’s secretary of state from 1980 to 1981. His staff helped negotiate the 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act , which provided reparations to Wabanaki tribes for land that was taken from them, but has also limited the applicability of federal laws that apply to and benefit tribes in other states. Carter had also stayed overnight in South Portland with former Gov. Ken Curtis and his wife, Polly, while campaigning for the presidency. It was at their home where Carter was interviewed by broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite. He was a “famously considerate house guest” who always made his bed, including at the Curtis’ home, Kermit Lipez, a friend and former staffer in Curtis’ administration, told the Press Herald in October. This story will be updated. Mainers look back at Jimmy Carter’s visits, impacts as the former president turns 100 Maine Voices: Jimmy Carter has always been true to the standards he set for himself Maine Voices: I am grateful to you, Jimmy Carter, for being my role model We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. Please sign into your Press Herald account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs . Your commenting screen name has been updated. Send questions/comments to the editors. « PreviousPep Guardiola spoke of his relief after Manchester City finally got back to winning ways with a comfortable 3-0 defeat of Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. The champions had descended into crisis after a run of seven games without a win – six of which were defeats and the other an embarrassing 3-3 draw after leading 3-0. Four of those losses had come in the Premier League, heavily damaging their chances of claiming a fifth successive title, but they appeared to turn the corner by sweeping Forest aside at the Etihad Stadium. “We needed it,” said City manager Guardiola. “The club, the players, everyone needed to win. “But it is just one game and in three days we are at Selhurst Park, where it has always been difficult. “We played good. We still conceded some transitions and missed some easy things and lost some passes that you have to avoid, but in general, the most important thing was to break this routine of not winning games and we won it.” Kevin De Bruyne, making his first start since September after overcoming a pelvic injury, made a huge difference to a side that appeared rejuvenated. His powerful header was turned in by Bernardo Silva for the opening goal and the Belgian followed up with a powerful strike to make it 2-0. The 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season but it was a strong riposte to recent suggestions of a rift with Guardiola. A sweet strike 💥 ⚡️ #HighSpeedMoments | @eAndGroup pic.twitter.com/WJOkfKo2zr — Manchester City (@ManCity) December 4, 2024 “I’m so happy for him,” said Guardiola of De Bruyne’s telling contribution. “Last season he was many months injured and this season as well. “I’m so happy he’s back. He fought a lot, he’s worked and he’s back with his physicality. The minutes he played in Anfield were really good and today he played 75 fantastic minutes.” Jeremy Doku wrapped up a pleasing win when he finished a rapid counter-attack just before the hour but there was still a downside for City with injuries to defenders Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji. Guardiola said: “For Nathan it doesn’t look good and Manu has struggled a lot over the last two months. We will see. “Phil (Foden) has bronchitis but when he doesn’t have fever he will be ready.” Despite City’s dominance, Forest did have some bright moments and manager Nuno Espirito Santo was not downbeat. He said: “When you lose 3-0 and you say it was a good performance maybe people don’t understand, but I will not say that was a bad performance. “There are positive things for us in the game. Of course there are a lot of bad things, mistakes, but we had chances. “We didn’t achieve but I think we come out proud of ourselves because we tried. For sure, this game will allow us to grow.”

Liverpool have been dealt a new selection blow ahead of Saturday’s Merseyside derby clash with Everton . The Reds make the short trip for the last-ever Premier League derby to be held at Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime, having seen their seven-match winning run across all competitions halted in a six-goal thriller against Newcastle on Wednesday night. Such a result - combined with respective midweek wins for closest title challengers Chelsea and Arsenal - saw Liverpool’s lead at the Premier League summit trimmed down from nine to seven points before they take on an Everton team who emphatically ended a five-game winless sequence by thrashing fellow strugglers Wolves 4-0. Arne Slot’s side will go to Goodison without the services of key midfielder Alexis Mac Allister , who picked up his fifth yellow card of the domestic season early on against Newcastle for a foul on Toon defender Fabian Schar. That will see the Argentine World Cup-winner incur an automatic one-game suspension, ruling him out against Everton. Mac Allister was already banned for next week’s Champions League meeting with Girona in Spain after picking up three yellow cards in the competition, meaning he will not play again now until the top-flight visit of Fulham to Anfield on December 14. The leaders will already be without injured defenders Ibrahima Konate, Kostas Tsimikas and Conor Bradley at the weekend, though the likes of Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota will be pushing to be involved after injury and summer signing Federico Chiesa started and scored for Liverpool’s Under-21s in their Premier League International Cup match against Danish side FC Nordsjaelland on Wednesday night. Trent Alexander-Arnold will be expected to come straight back into the starting side at Everton, having been named on the bench against Newcastle to ensure his full fitness following a hamstring injury and come on to provide two assists for Mohamed Salah in an eventful second half. Slot played Jarell Quansah at right-back against Newcastle, with Joe Gomez continuing to partner captain Virgil van Dijk in central defence in the absence of Konate. Curtis Jones replaced Dominik Szoboszlai further forward, with Darwin Nunez also picked ahead of Luis Diaz in attack.Chinese researchers have invented a new gel that could better protect wood from historic shipwrecks from the dangers of erosion. The hydrogel , which is made of water and other synthetic substances known as polymers, melts into the artifacts and works to neutralize elements that could harm the waterlogged material, including wood-eating fungi and acid-producing bacteria. Hydrogels are also used in medicine and firefighting . “The gels can be stretched to 20 times their initial length and demonstrate a 99 percent reduction in bacterial presence,” the researchers said . “This innovative hydrogel effectively neutralizes the acid generated by bacteria metabolism and notably possesses self-dissolution behavior that avoids the damage caused by peeling off the hydrogel from the wood surface.” Researchers said the goo’s characteristics “provide a distinct advantage for the timely protection and multipurpose preservation of wooden artifacts and offer potential in other comparable scenarios.” The gel was the result of a collaboration between multiple institutions, including Guangdong’s Sun-Yat Sen university and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Their findings were published recently in the journal ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering . The Royal Society of Chemistry says that state of a shipwreck depends on several factors, including how long it was underwater its materials, and the conditions where the ship sank. For example, the SS Endurance , the vessel of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton that had been lost since 1915, was well-preserved 10,000 feet below the surface of the extremely cold Antarctic Weddell Sea when it was found more than a century later. To help keep the history alive, conservators slowly dry marine wooden artifacts to preserve them. They utilize a process that replaces the water with highly pressurized carbon dioxide or a viscous polymer. They can also freeze-dry the artifacts. These efforts take months and can inflict damage, according to the American Chemical Society . The wood can become brittle or warped. Nearly two decades ago, scientists found that the production of sulphuric acid inside the ship wood could be the cause of chemical and physical damage. Scientists said a year later that iron from the Swedish warship Vasa , located at the bottom of Stockholm’s harbor, was causing its degradation. “Upon recovery and exposure to air, waterlogged wood undergoes substantial drying shrinkage and deformation. As a result, marine waterlogged archaeological wood preserved in museums becomes more sensitive to changes in humidity,” researchers from Beijing and Quanzhou said in a separate study published in the Journal of Cultural Heritage earlier this year. While newly-created gel could act like a face mask for the wood, the group noted, removing the substance could still harm its surface. In response to this issue, the authors of the study made a gel that would both provide the wood with compounds to fight bacteria and acid and gradually dissolve. To do it, they mixed two polymers with the acid-neutralizing potassium bicarbonate, alongside silver nitrate: a compound historically used in photography to process prints. To create hydrogels with different staying power, they adjusted the amount of silver nitrate used. Those with more of the compound remained a “gooey solid.” To test those hydrogels, they used 800-year-old pieces of wood from the Nanhai No. 1 shipwreck, discovered off of China’s south coast. The ship’s remains were discovered just over 80 feet below the sea in 1987. It is believed that the vessel was built between 1127 and 1279, during the Southern Song Dynasty. The Nanhai No. 1 was recovered in 2007 and preserved at an aquarium in the Guangdong Maritime Silk Road Museum, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization . “They found that each gel neutralized acid up to a centimeter deep after 10 days, but the dissolving gels that contained less silver did so more quickly, after one day. The team also found that artifacts treated with the liquifying gels better maintained their cellular structure and were less brittle than those treated with the solid gels,” the society said. The study’s authors say their new hydrogel could enhance the world’s ability to untangle its mysteries. There are an estimated 3 million shipwrecks littered across the ocean floor, according to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History .Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers formally asked a judge Monday to throw out his hush money criminal conviction , arguing that continuing the case would present unconstitutional “disruptions to the institution of the Presidency.“ In a filing made public Tuesday, Trump’s lawyers told Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan that anything short of immediate dismissal would undermine the transition of power, as well as the “overwhelming national mandate" granted to Trump by voters last month. They also cited President Joe Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, who had been convicted of tax and gun charges . “President Biden asserted that his son was ‘selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,’ and ‘treated differently,’" Trump’s legal team wrote. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, they claimed, had engaged in the type of political theater "that President Biden condemned.” Prosecutors will have until Dec. 9 to respond. They have said they will fight any efforts to dismiss the case but have indicated a willingness to delay the sentencing until after Trump’s second term ends in 2029. In their filing Monday, Trump's attorneys dismissed the idea of holding off sentencing until Trump is out of office as a “ridiculous suggestion.” Following Trump’s election victory last month, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed his sentencing, previously scheduled for late November, to allow the defense and prosecution to weigh in on the future of the case. He also delayed a decision on Trump’s prior bid to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. Trump has been fighting for months to reverse his conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels to suppress her claim that they had sex a decade earlier. He says they did not and denies any wrongdoing. The defense filing was signed by Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, who represented Trump during the trial and have since been selected by the president-elect to fill senior roles at the Justice Department. Taking a swipe at Bragg and New York City, as Trump often did throughout the trial, the filing argues that dismissal would also benefit the public by giving him and “the numerous prosecutors assigned to this case a renewed opportunity to put an end to deteriorating conditions in the City and to protect its residents from violent crime.” Clearing Trump, the lawyers added, would also allow him to “to devote all of his energy to protecting the Nation.” Merchan hasn’t yet set a timetable for a decision. He could decide to uphold the verdict and proceed to sentencing, delay the case until Trump leaves office, wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump’s parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court or choose some other option. An outright dismissal of the New York case would further lift a legal cloud that at one point carried the prospect of derailing Trump’s political future. Last week, special counsel Jack Smith told courts that he was withdrawing both federal cases against Trump — one charging him with hoarding classified documents at his Florida estate, the other with scheming to overturn the 2020 presidential election he lost — citing longstanding Justice Department policy that shields a president from indictment while in office. The hush money case was the only one of Trump’s four criminal indictments to go to trial, resulting in a historic verdict that made him the first former president to be convicted of a crime. Prosecutors had cast the payout as part of a Trump-driven effort to keep voters from hearing salacious stories about him. Trump’s then-lawyer Michael Cohen paid Daniels. Trump later reimbursed him, and Trump’s company logged the reimbursements as legal expenses — concealing what they really were, prosecutors alleged. Trump has said the payments to Cohen were properly categorized as legal expenses for legal work. A month after the verdict, the Supreme Court ruled that ex-presidents can’t be prosecuted for official acts — things they did in the course of running the country — and that prosecutors can’t cite those actions to bolster a case centered on purely personal, unofficial conduct. Trump’s lawyers cited the ruling to argue that the hush money jury got some improper evidence, such as Trump’s presidential financial disclosure form, testimony from some White House aides and social media posts made during his first term. Prosecutors disagreed and said the evidence in question was only “a sliver” of their case. If the verdict stands and the case proceeds to sentencing, Trump’s punishments would range from a fine to probation to up to four years in prison — but it’s unlikely he’d spend any time behind bars for a first-time conviction involving charges in the lowest tier of felonies. Because it is a state case, Trump would not be able to pardon himself once he returns to office. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Crown CEO Issues Update Letter to ShareholdersHow to Watch Top 25 College Basketball Games – Monday, December 30

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks tiptoed to more records amid a mixed Tuesday of trading, tacking a touch more onto what’s already been a stellar year so far. The S&P 500 edged up by 2 points, or less than 0.1%, to set an all-time high for the 55th time this year. It’s climbed in 10 of the last 11 days and is on track for one of its best years since the turn of the millennium. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 76 points, or 0.2%, while the Nasdaq composite added 0.4% to its own record set a day earlier. AT&T rose 4.6% after it boosted its profit forecast for the year. It also announced a $10 billion plan to send cash to its investors by buying back its own stock, while saying it expects to authorize another $10 billion of repurchases in 2027. On the losing end of Wall Street was U.S. Steel, which fell 8%. President-elect Donald Trump reiterated on social media that he would not let Japan’s Nippon Steel take over the iconic Pennsylvania steelmaker. Nippon Steel announced plans last December to buy the Pittsburgh-based steel producer for $14.1 billion in cash, raising concerns about what the transaction could mean for unionized workers, supply chains and U.S. national security. Earlier this year, President Joe Biden also came out against the acquisition. Tesla sank 1.6% after a judge in Delaware reaffirmed a previous ruling that the electric car maker must revoke Elon Musk’s multibillion-dollar pay package. The judge denied a request by attorneys for Musk and Tesla’s corporate directors to vacate her ruling earlier this year requiring the company to rescind the unprecedented pay package. All told, the S&P 500 rose 2.73 points to 6,049.88. The Dow fell 76.47 to 44,705.53, and the Nasdaq composite gained 76.96 to 19,480.91. In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady after a report showed U.S. employers were advertising slightly more job openings at the end of October than a month earlier. Continued strength there would raise optimism that the economy could remain out of a recession that many investors had earlier worried was inevitable. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.23% from 4.20% from late Monday. Yields have seesawed since Election Day amid worries that Trump’s preferences for lower tax rates and bigger tariffs could spur higher inflation along with economic growth. But traders are still confident the Federal Reserve will cut its main interest rate again at its next meeting in two weeks. They’re betting on a nearly three-in-four chance of that, according to data from CME Group. Lower rates can give the economy more juice, but they can also give inflation more fuel. The key report this week that could guide the Fed’s next move will arrive on Friday. It’s the monthly jobs report , which will show how many workers U.S. employers hired and fired during November. It could be difficult to parse given how much storms and strikes distorted figures in October. Based on trading in the options market, Friday’s jobs report appears to be the biggest potential market mover until the Fed announces its next decision on interest rates Dec. 18, according to strategists at Barclays Capital. In financial markets abroad, the value of South Korea’s currency fell 1.1% against the U.S. dollar following a frenetic night where President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law and then later said he’d lift it after lawmakers voted to reject military rule. Stocks of Korean companies that trade in the United States also fell, including a 1.6% drop for SK Telecom. Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped 1.9% to help lead global markets. Some analysts think Japanese stocks could end up benefiting from Trump’s threats to raise tariffs , including for goods coming from China . Trade relations between the U.S. and China took another step backward after China said it is banning exports to the U.S. of gallium, germanium, antimony and other key high-tech materials with potential military applications. The counterpunch came swiftly after the U.S. Commerce Department expanded the list of Chinese technology companies subject to export controls to include many that make equipment used to make computer chips, chipmaking tools and software. The 140 companies newly included in the so-called “entity list” are nearly all based in China. In China, stock indexes rose 1% in Hong Kong and 0.4% in Shanghai amid unconfirmed reports that Chinese leaders would meet next week to discuss planning for the coming year. Investors are hoping it may bring fresh stimulus to help spur growth in the world’s second-largest economy. In France, the CAC 40 rose 0.3% amid continued worries about politics in Paris , where the government is battling over the budget. AP Business Writers Yuri Kageyama and Matt Ott contributed.

The Times view on Kemi Badenoch: Tory Fortunes

The country’s citizens are lucky, with uninterrupted electrical power supply met from large and small hydro power plants, thermal power stations owned by Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and private, also to a lesser degree with bio-energy, solar and wind power. The situation could be improved with moving over to more solar and wind power. Electricity generated from hydro-power, wind, solar and bio-energy are referred to as renewable energy. The country’s hydro power sources are almost exhausted. Wind and solar power have enormous potential, initial investments are slightly higher then thermal, but running costs are low, without imports. Solar is only during the day with intensity reducing with clouds, wind throughout the day and night, but wavering over the time and months. The country’s highest electricity demand is from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thus solar could only contribute towards meeting the day time demand with hydro contributing throughout. Today, balance is met with thermally generated power. Recently pumped water storage is proposed, using excessive solar power during the day time to pump water to higher levels and using the same to generate electricity during the peak hours (more later). Biomass projects generate power by burning tree branch cuttings or paddy husk under controlled conditions. Branch cuttings of plants (mostly grilicedia) are collected from rural farmers and paddy husk produced during milling of paddy, that are normally disposed by burning. Gliricedia plant roots known for its nitrogen fixing abilities and improve soil fertility, whose leaves are generally used as animal feed, rots easily is an excellent manure. Most dendro-power plants located in the dry rural sector, provide employment and income opportunities to growers and transporters. Wind and solar power are highly acclaimed throughout the world, with energy produced causing least pollution and free, neither available uniformly nor throughout the day. Solar power is popular in Arab countries with massive investments. Technologies and equipment for solar and wind are imported from developed countries and are expensive, but with low running costs. Currently, Hambantota wind farm owned by CEB has a production capacity of 3 MW and the Puttalam farm with a capacity of 10 MW. A wind farm consisting of 30 towers generating 100 MW (Phase 1 – Thambapawani) was established on the southern coast of Mannar Island in 2021, with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The Buruthakanda Solar Park in Hambantota by Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA), first commercial scale solar power station completed in 2012, producing 737 KW in the first stage and 500 KW in the second stage. The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, officially handed over Sri Lanka’s first-ever floating solar photovoltaic power plant located at Chandrika Wewa and Kiriibban Wewa reservoirs. The $ 5 million project, with floating solar photovoltaic power plant capable of generating 1MW, uses the reservoir surface, conserving land resources while reducing environmental impact. A World Bank report of August 2007 identified nearly 5,000 sq. km with good-to-excellent wind resource potential of 24,000 MW. About 4,100 sq. km of land and 700 sq. km in lagoons, largely concentrated in the north western coast from Kalpitiya Peninsula north to Mannar Island, Jaffna Peninsula, also central highlands. A strong stream of wind passes through the Strait of Mannar. The high speed winds moving from south to north and vice versa between central mountains of Sri Lanka and South Indian mountains through Strait of Mannar, allows generation of electricity power. Using the same, State of Tamil Nadu has installed six wind power projects, with a capacity of 7,450 MW becoming the leader in India. The largest is the Muppandal Wind Farm with a capacity of 1,500 MW, making it the world’s forth largest onshore wind farm. CEB installed a 103 MW wind power plant in Mannar Island with ADB assistance, costing $ 135 million and commissioned on 18 May 2021, named “Thambapavani”. The plant with 30 wind turbine generators located along the southern coast of Mannar Island. The produced electricity generated by the wind plant cost less than 4 US Cents a kWHr. But the proposed project located on the narrow ‘movement corridor’ where millions of migratory birds moving from north to south and back are severely objected by the environmentalists. CEB’s Long Term Generation Expansion Plans (LTGEP) prepared for 2023-2042 proposes: In addition, the plan allows pumped storage of 300 MW each for years 2029 and 2030, also are 1,400 MW Pumped Hydro Storage development by 2032 and 3,365 MW Battery Energy Storage development by 2042, requiring an average annual investment of $ 1.4 billion for generation and storage capacity additions. As per CEB generation statistics on 21 November, the combined output from the Laxapana, Mahaweli, and Samanala hydro complexes, along with CEB and Small Power Producer (SPP), wind energy and SPP solar, biomass, and mini-hydro sources, amounted to 27.22 GWh. Considering total energy generated was 47.47 Gwh, renewable energy amounts approximately to 57.35% of total energy generation. Thus achieving 70% target by 2030, Sri Lanka needs to increase its RE contribution by 27% within the next five years. Up to now, CEB showed reluctance to connect small and medium renewable plants, claiming the connection will destabilise their distribution system. But, recently, ADB agreed to provide a loan of $ 200 million to Sri Lanka to upgrade the power sector infrastructure, enhancing the reliability of transmission and distribution facilities of renewable energy, which will enable CEB to connect the renewable systems. The Phase II of the Mannar Wind Energy Park of capacity 200 MW, similar to Phase I with a 5 km 132 kV transmission line. The proposed turbines located 2 km away from the existing wind turbines and production costs would be similar. In 2022, the billionaire Indian businessman Gautham Adani visited Sri Lanka and met the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and visited the proposed wind power project site. Subsequently, the Ministry of Power and Energy, received an unsolicited proposal for the construction and operation of the Mannar Wind Power Project (Phase-II), as Build, Own and Operate project for a 25-year period with an investment of $ 500 million. But with a lawsuit filed in New York court, by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Adani family are facing serious allegations of bribing personnel in implementing projects. Thus offering a project to Adani family would no longer feasible. Sri Lanka being close to the equator, receives an abundant supply of solar radiation year around without a marked seasonal variation. Roof-top solar is possible throughout the country except in higher elevations. Solar-parks are possible in the western coastal belt from Kalpitiya to Jaffna, Northern Province, also Hambantota and Monaragala districts due to flat dry terrain and low rain. In addition, parts of lagoons, lakes and reservoirs could host solar-parks. Thus the country’s solar and wind production capacity is beyond imagination, only needs implementation. SLSEA introduced rooftop solar power units in 2010 which became a success, and led to Surya Bala Sangramaya or the battle for solar energy in 2016. New program targets adding 1,450 MW by 2025. Currently 20,000 solar systems supply 215 MW to national grid, dominated by small roof-top solar installations. Thus rooftop solar needs to be promoted vehemently. Under the current system, rooftop solar producers up to 500 KWs are paid a Rs. 37 flat rate for 20 years, while systems above 50 KWs are paid Rs. 34.50 per unit. Sri Lanka’s first and the largest power station implemented as a joint venture by CEB with aid from EXIM Bank of China. It was constructed by China Machinery Engineering Corporation at a cost of $ 1.35 billion. The contract was signed in 2006 and the first phase of 300 MW was commissioned in 2011, including the construction of 115 km transmission line connecting the plant to the national grid through the Veyangoda substation. The Norochcholai Coal Power Plant located in Puttalam District, on the West Coast of the Kalpitiya Peninsula. The power plant proposed as 3 phases, each phase adding 300 MW, making the total power generated as 900 MW. A 300 MW unit of the Norochcholai plant would use between 650,000 to 700,000 tonnes of coal a year. There are large number of small and medium scale industries, who are occupied during daytime (when the sun is shining) with large roofs. Also are large number of supermarkets, all with large roofs. These roofs could be utilised effectively by installing solar power systems. Solar panels on the roof will reduce the sun-light on the roof, reducing the air-conditioning load below. Some Supermarkets already have solar panels on their roofs, others too could follow and owners cannot claim to be short of funds. I have installed a 14 kW solar system on my roof-top, costing Rs. 2.1 million, the system consisting of 34 solar panels. I have paid all requirements to CEB and am awaiting them to connect the solar power system. Now that Adani’s wind power proposal is no longer acceptable, the Governments need to call for expression of interest world-wide for future installation wind power systems in Mannar, Jaffna regions as well as up on the hills. In the hilly areas, most grounds are Government owned and there would be no objection for the locals. A pumped storage hydro-electric plant generally consists of two water reservoirs at different levels, connected with each other. During low electricity demand, excess generation capacity (excessive solar power) is used to pump water into the upper reservoir. With the high demand in peak hours, water is released back into the lower reservoir through a turbine (usually a Francis turbine), generating electricity. Pumped storage plants, usually use reversible turbine/generator assemblies, acting both pump and as a turbine generator at variable speed operation, further optimising the efficiency in pumped hydro storage tanks. For pumping of water, also for power generation, the same pump is used by changing rotational direction and speed. Pumped storage power plants (PSPPs) have been identified as a viable solution for power generation for Sri Lanka. Wewatenna was identified in the Electricity Sector Master Plan Study of Sri Lanka conducted in 2018 as a suitable site. This study develops the basic design configuration and calculates the peaking energy of the proposed PSPP at Wewathenna using the methodologies employed in previous studies conducted in 2015. The proposed Wewathenna project uses existing Victoria reservoir as the lower pond. The catchment area of the existing “Victoria” is 6.64 km2 and to construct an artificial dam on the eastern side of Victoria Lake serving as the upper pond of capacity 0.33 km2. The net head and maximum discharge are planned as 686 m and 240 m3/s respectively, with a potential capacity of 1,400 MW. However, due to various restrictions, Wewatenna was based on 500 MW. But adhering to manufacturing limit of pump-turbines, the unit capacity was set at 350 MW. The regulator PUCSL requested CEB a revised plan for tariff reduction starting 1 January 2025, and set a deadline for submission by 6 December 2024. But CEB refused any reductions of rates, claiming excess water in reservoir need to be saved to cater till April, end of dry period. Failure will require power generation through oil and coal. Former PUCSL Chairman Janaka Ratnayake added that the generation cost of electricity has decreased from Rs. 50 to Rs. 28, and electricity tariffs should be reduced by at least 30% passing relief to the public. The consumers have noted that recent heavy rains have significantly boosted hydropower generation and would allow reduction of electricity charges. Meanwhile, CEB unions called for bonuses, highlighting that the CEB recorded a profit of Rs. 43 billion in 2023 and Rs. 161 billion in 2024. But CEB rejected the demand for bonus. Also no reduction in electricity prices during the next six months, due to lack of low cost energy sources. The country has almost exhausted its cheapest power hydro-electricity. Only possibility is major movement towards solar power, especially by small and medium scale industries and house owners. Most convenient new solar users would be factories and offices, who normally work during day-light hours. Also, most schools have fans in the classrooms. They could install solar panels on the roofs, eliminating electricity bills. The parents who installed the fans in classrooms could also install solar panels. Meanwhile, it was reported that Orion City, the nation’s premier IT and business park has invested in a 700 kW solar power at its Colombo 9 complex, ensuring 24/7 uninterrupted power supply to its customers, would be an example to others. Thus, the Government needs to submit a plan to encourage installation of solar power by individual homes and the industry, with reduced interest loans from commercial banks. Recently, delegates from Japan and Qatar met the President and have offered assistance for renewable energy. Also, a number of European countries have offered low interest loans for renewable power. If the Government takes initiative to get their assistance, new solar investors could be offered low interest loans, will be a great support to the new investors, and will improve the solar power industry and the country.We needed it – Pep Guardiola relieved to end Man City’s winless run

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In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, Cisco Systems is positioning itself as an unexpected competitor. While traditionally known for its networking hardware, Cisco is now making waves in the AI domain through strategic collaboration with Nvidia. Cisco’s New Vision This partnership underscores Cisco’s ambition to step beyond its established domain and innovate in AI infrastructure. By integrating Nvidia GPUs into its data center technology, Cisco aims to provide cutting-edge solutions to meet the growing demands for AI computing power. Leveraging Nvidia’s Strength Nvidia, a dominant player in the graphics processing industry, plays a crucial role in this venture. The collaboration allows Cisco to incorporate Nvidia’s powerful GPUs, known for their unparalleled speed and capability, into its offerings. This move is anticipated to enhance performance and efficiency for tech companies seeking robust AI capabilities. Meeting Market Demands The integration of Nvidia’s technology positions Cisco to capture a share of the burgeoning AI market. The demand for efficient and high-performance AI systems is escalating, and Cisco’s enhanced data infrastructure seeks to address this need. As AI continues to permeate diverse sectors, Cisco’s innovative approach could prove indispensable. While Cisco may have been an unexpected entrant in the AI arena, its strategic move to partner with Nvidia illustrates a profound commitment to leading the AI revolution. By merging networking expertise with Nvidia’s GPU prowess, Cisco is ready to redefine possibilities in AI infrastructure. Cisco and Nvidia: A Game-Changer in AI Infrastructure Market Insights: Cisco’s Foray into AI with Nvidia Cisco Systems, renowned for its networking hardware, is venturing decisively into the artificial intelligence (AI) landscape through an impactful alliance with Nvidia. This collaboration marks a significant shift for Cisco, propelling it from its traditional roots into a dominant force in AI infrastructure. Leveraging Nvidia’s cutting-edge graphics processing units (GPUs), Cisco’s strategic expansion addresses the escalating demand for AI capabilities across multiple sectors. Key Features and Innovations Cisco’s integration of Nvidia GPUs represents a robust enhancement of its data center offerings. These GPUs are celebrated for their exceptional computational speed and efficiency, making them ideal for powering AI-driven applications. By embedding these capabilities into its infrastructure, Cisco aims to boost performance and reliability, thus providing a compelling solution to enterprises seeking advanced AI functionality. AI Market Trends and Predictions The AI market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with industries such as healthcare, finance, and automotive increasingly reliant on AI technologies. Cisco’s innovative approach positions it to capture a significant share of this expanding market. Industry analysts predict sustained growth in AI demand, suggesting that Cisco’s advanced infrastructure solutions will remain pertinent and potentially transformative in the market landscape. Pros and Cons Pros: – Enhanced Performance: The integration of Nvidia’s GPUs significantly improves the processing speed and efficiency of AI computations. – Strategic Positioning: Cisco’s initiative broadens its market reach, allowing it to cater to diverse industries with specialized AI infrastructure needs. – Future-Proofing: The collaboration ensures Cisco stays at the forefront of AI innovation, preparing it for future technological advancements. Cons: – Market Competition: Entering the AI space places Cisco in direct competition with established tech giants, necessitating continuous innovation to maintain a competitive edge. – Infrastructure Complexity: Integrating advanced AI capabilities can introduce complexities that may require significant investment in training and support. Use Cases and Applications By leveraging Nvidia’s GPU technology, Cisco’s AI infrastructure is set to benefit sectors like: – Healthcare: Enhancing data analytics capabilities for improved patient outcomes and predictive diagnostics. – Finance: Offering real-time data processing for fraud detection, risk assessment, and algorithmic trading. – Automotive: Facilitating the development of autonomous vehicles through advanced data processing and machine learning capabilities. Trends in AI Integration The emphasis on AI integration by traditional tech companies like Cisco underscores the universal appeal of AI across industries. This trend indicates a shift towards developing more intelligent and adaptable technologies that can cater to evolving business needs and consumer expectations. In conclusion, Cisco’s collaboration with Nvidia signifies a bold move into the AI domain, expanding its horizons beyond conventional networking. As AI continues to transform industries and redefine market dynamics, Cisco’s innovative solutions are poised to keep it at the forefront of this evolution. For more on Cisco’s advancements, visit Cisco’s official site .

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Trump nominates cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins as SEC chairStock indexes drifted to a mixed finish on Wall Street Thursday, as some heavyweight technology and communications sector stocks offset gains elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 fell less than 0.1% after spending the day wavering between small gains and losses. The tiny loss ended the benchmark index's three-day winning streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, slipped 0.2%. Meta Platforms fell 0.7%, and Amazon and Netflix each fell 0.9%. Tesla was among the biggest decliners in the S&P 500, finishing 1.8% lower. Some tech companies fared better. Chip company Broadcom rose 2.4%, Micron Technology added 0.6% and Adobe gained 0.5%. Health care stocks were a bright spot. CVS Health rose 1.5% and Walgreens Boots Alliance added 5.3% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. Several retailers also gained ground. Target rose 3%, Ross Stores added 2.3%, Best Buy rose 2.9% and Dollar Tree gained 3.8%. Traders are watching to see whether retailers have a strong holiday season. The day after Christmas traditionally ranks among the top 10 biggest shopping days of the year, as consumers go online or rush to stores to cash in gift cards and raid bargain bins. U.S.-listed shares in Honda and Nissan rose 4.1% and 16.4%, respectively. The Japanese automakers announced earlier this week that the two companies are in talks to combine. All told, the S&P 500 fell 2.45 points to 6,037.59. The Dow added 28.77 points to 43,325.80. The Nasdaq fell 10.77 points to close at 20,020.36. Wall Street got a labor market update. U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week , though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years, the Labor Department reported. Treasury yields mostly fell in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.58% from 4.59% late Tuesday. Major European markets were closed, as well as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Trading was expected to be subdued this week with a thin slate of economic data on the calendar. Still, U.S. markets have historically gotten a boost at year’s end despite lower trading volumes. The last five trading days of each year, plus the first two in the new year, have brought an average gain of 1.3% since 1950. So far this month, the U.S. stock market has lost some of its gains since President-elect Donald Trump’s win on Election Day, which raised hopes for faster economic growth and more lax regulations that would boost corporate profits. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Even so, the U.S. market remains on pace to deliver strong returns for 2024. The benchmark S&P 500 is up 26.6% so far this year and remains near its most recent all-time high it set earlier this month — its latest of 57 record highs this year. Wall Street has several economic reports to look forward to next week, including updates on pending home sales and home prices, a report on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity. AP Business Writers Elaine Kurtenbach and Matt Ott contributed.

Home Depot Inc. stock underperforms Wednesday when compared to competitors