The South African government has called on all parties in Mozambique to commit to an urgent dialogue amid ongoing violence and disruptive protests. International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola expressed the government’s concerns about the ongoing situation in the neighbouring country. The Constitutional Council of Mozambique proclaimed the final electoral results, prompting this development. On Monday, the council confirmed the disputed October election results, which extended the ruling Frelimo party’s power. Constitutional Council of Mozambique confirm election results The final results followed two months of street protests that left more than one hundred people dead. “South Africa calls on all parties to commit to an urgent dialogue that will heal the country and set it on a new political and developmental trajectory,” Lamola said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon. ALSO READ: Hundreds arrested at Lebombo for illegally attempting to cross SA-Mozambique border The minister said South Africa is ready to assist Mozambique to facilitate this dialogue. He added that the government will continue to work with the Southern African Development Community and other multilateral agencies in supporting a lasting solution to the current impasse. “South Africa calls on all parties to exercise restraint and calm,” the minister said. ‘Restraint and calm’ Amid the reports of protesting in Mozambique, Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu visited the Lebombo Border to monitor the flow of traffic. The premier announced that, based on engagements, protestors might target trucks, not private cars or taxis entering the country. ALSO READ: BMA prepares for night shift amid Mozambique border tensions The authorities agreed to prohibit trucks from entering Mozambique until the situation stabilises. “I’m not saying there is a state of unrest, but I’m saying that currently, the situation is not that good in Mozambique,” Ndlovu told the SABC . Meanwhile, earlier on Tuesday, the ANC welcomed the official declaration of Mozambique’s election results but also called for dialogue. ANC welcomed results “The ANC underscores the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and a steadfast commitment to the will of the people in ensuring political stability and sustainable development,” ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said in a statement. “Renewing and uniting the people of Mozambique, while strengthening the historic ties between Frelimo and the ANC, is of mutual benefit in promoting people-to-people relationships and fostering inclusive economic growth for the shared prosperity of both nations.” NOW READ: Mozambique’s highest court confirms ruling party election victoryIf there's one thing everyone who celebrates Christmas knows, it's that Santa Claus is coming to town. The jolly gift giver is flying around the world, delivering presents to one and all. Now, thanks to the power of technology , we can track Santa's every move and know where he is at all times. In fact, there are two popular services designed to help you keep tabs on jolly ol' St. Nick — Norad and Google . Today, we'll give you a quick rundown of how to use both Santa trackers so you can know where he is at any time. What is a Santa tracker Santa Claus trackers are nothing new — they've been around since long before the internet with call-in hotlines. Now, thanks to the power of the World Wide Web, tracking Santa Claus as he flies around the globe has become even easier. Norad is still an option for tracking Santa online, though it has been doing it since 1958. In 2004, Google rolled out its own tracker, giving everyone two primary choices for their Santa-tracking needs. How to track Santa with Norad How to Use Google's Santa tracker Which Santa tracker is better? Which Santa tracker you use will come down to personal preference. While Norad has the longevity of being the original Santa tracker, Google offers a lot more style and other entertaining elements. I think it's better to use both trackers. After all, the more information you have about Santa's whereabouts, the more prepared you can be for his arrival at your home. Since both are free, there's no reason not to maximize your knowledge. However, if I had to choose one for some reason, I'd lean towards Google's offering just because I prefer the aesthetic, and the extra games and videos create a more festive atmosphere.

A Look Back From 2024: Answering Your Biggest AGI QuestionsAn Azerbaijan Airlines flight which crashed on Christmas Day in Kazakhstan was reportedly hit by “external interference” over Russia, according to Azerbaijan’s transport minister, Rashad Nabiyev . The crash, which claimed 38 lives, occurred after the plane, a Brazilian-made Embraer 190, was diverted to Kazakhstan from Russia’s Chechnya region due to damage sustained during flight, reports BBC. Passengers onboard reported hearing three blasts above Grozny, leading to speculation that the aircraft had been struck by Russian air defense systems. Also Read: Azerbaijan Airliner Crash Kills 38: Weather, Russia Under Scrutiny Russian authorities have yet to comment, though Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russia’s civil aviation agency, claimed that the region was under threat from Ukrainian drone attacks, and a “Carpet plan” was enacted, clearing aircraft from the area. He also mentioned dense fog over Grozny airport, which could have contributed to the incident. The U.S. government has confirmed receiving early indications that Russian air defense systems may have downed the plane, although they have refrained from making a definitive statement. Azerbaijan Airlines has pointed to “physical and technical external interference,” which experts believe involved GPS jamming and missile shrapnel damage, BBC adds. One flight attendant described hearing a “strike,” which injured her arm. Pilot Tahir Agaguliev speculated that the missile exploded nearby, with shrapnel damaging the aircraft’s hydraulics. Despite the damage, the pilots managed to land the plane, saving 29 lives. Azerbaijan is demanding Russia acknowledge its responsibility for the incident, similar to the apology Russia extended in 2020 when it shot down an Azerbaijani helicopter. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan Airlines suspended flights to several Russian cities, including Grozny and Sochi, citing security concerns. The investigation is ongoing, with Azerbaijan pushing for an international inquiry rather than one led by Russia or Kazakhstan. Read Next: Russian Firms Adopt Bitcoin For Global Trade In Response To Western Sanctions: ‘Should Be Expanded And Developed Further’ © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Blackstone Mortgage Trust: Pocketed CRE Troubles Are Still Brewing

Berry's 27 lead Charleston Southern past Columbia International 95-89Eddie Lampkin and Donnie Freeman both turned in double-double performances as Syracuse snapped a two-game losing streak with a 75-63 win over Bucknell Saturday at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, N.Y. Lampkin scored 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds while Freeman finished with 15 points and 11 boards as the Orange (6-6) improved to 11-1 all-time against the Bison (4-9). Jaquan Carlos chipped in 11 for Syracuse. Josh Bascoe was impressive in defeat, knocking down six 3-pointers and scoring 22 in all. Noah Williamson added 12 for the Bison, who dropped their seventh in a row but didn't go away quietly. Trailing 43-31 at the half, the Bison pulled within 48-43 after a dunk by Pip Ajayi with 14:13 left. That was as close as Bucknell would get, however, as it fell short in its bid for its first win over a power conference team since beating Vanderbilt 75-72 victory during the 2016-17 campaign. In the final nonleague game for both teams, Syracuse shook off a slow start with a 9-0 run ignited by a Lucas Taylor 3-pointer and capped with a layup by Freeman that put the Orange up 12-6 with 14:30 to go. The Orange led 17-12 with 11:23 to go after a 3-pointer by Elijah Moore, but back-to-back 3-pointers by Jayden Williams and Bascoe put the Bison on top 21-19 with 8:04 remaining. With Bucknell up 26-22, momentum shifted in Syracuse's favor on the strength of a 16-2 run, highlighted by Freeman's 3-pointer that gave the Orange their first double-digit lead at 38-28 with 1:49 to play in the half. Freeman hit another shot from distance with seven seconds left, shooting over a defender from well beyond the line and extending the lead to 43-31. He high-fived teammates as he came off the court. His bucket was one of six 3-pointers Syracuse connected on in the opening half while shooting 57.6 percent (17-of-30) from the field. The Orange outscored the Bison 18-3 over the final 5:39, limiting Bucknell to only one field goal. --Field Level Media

A man accused of setting a woman on fire inside a New York City subway train and then watching her die after she was engulfed in flames has made an initial court appearance and will remain in custody. Sebastian Zapeta, 33, who federal immigration officials said is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the US illegally, was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court. He appeared briefly before a judge and wore a white jumpsuit over a weathered black hooded sweatshirt. He did not speak. He will remain jailed ahead of his next court date on Friday. The apparently random attack occurred on Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Police said on Tuesday that identification of the victim was still “pending at this time”. Authorities say Zapeta approached the woman, who was sitting motionless in the train car and may have been sleeping, and used a lighter to set her clothing on fire. The woman quickly became engulfed in flames, while the suspect then sat at a bench on the subway platform and watched, according to police. Video posted to social media appeared to show the woman standing inside the train ablaze as some people look on from the platform, and at least one officer walks by. NYPD chief of transit Joseph Gulotta said that several officers had responded to the fire and one stayed to keep the crime scene “the way it’s supposed to be” while the others went to get fire extinguishers and transit workers. They were eventually able to douse the fire, but “unfortunately, it was too late”, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said — the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. During Zapeta’s court hearing on Tuesday, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg said Zapeta at one point fanned the flames on the woman using his shirt. He said a 911 call from a subway rider helped identify Zapeta. Mr Rottenberg added that under interrogation Zapeta claimed he did not know what happened, noting that he consumes alcohol. But he alleged that Zapeta identified himself to interrogators in images related to the attack. Zapeta was taken into custody on Sunday afternoon while riding a train on the same subway line after police got a tip from some teenagers who recognised him from images circulated by the police. A Brooklyn address for Zapeta released by police matches a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support. The shelter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Federal immigration officials said Zapeta had been previously deported in 2018 but at some point reentered the US illegally. The crime — and the graphic video of it that ricocheted across social media — deepened a growing sense of unease among some New Yorkers about the safety of the subway system in a city where many residents take the subway multiple times each day.

In the fast-paced world of gaming, Vul Stock emerges as a groundbreaking innovation that’s poised to redefine how we view and interact with virtual environments. With the integration of cutting-edge technology, Vul Stock offers gamers an unprecedented level of control and immersion, transforming gaming from a mere pastime to an exhilarating experience. At its core, Vul Stock is an advanced haptic feedback technology that simulates realistic physical sensations. Imagine feeling the recoil of a shotgun or the rumble of a distant explosion as if you were physically present in the game. This transformative experience is possible through the sophisticated sensors and actuators embedded in specially designed gaming peripherals. The potential implications of Vul Stock extend beyond gaming. Developers and tech enthusiasts foresee applications in fields such as virtual reality (VR) training, rehabilitative therapy, and immersive storytelling. By bridging the gap between the virtual and physical worlds, Vul Stock offers a new dimension of interaction that could enhance learning and engagement across various sectors. From a commercial perspective, the introduction of Vul Stock is expected to spur a wave of interest among gamers and developers alike. As more titles incorporate this technology, we might see a shift in how games are designed, focusing on tactile engagement and sensory exploration. As we stand on the brink of this new frontier, Vul Stock represents not just an evolution in gaming, but a revolution in how we perceive virtual realities. The question remains: Are you ready to feel your games come to life like never before? Why Vul Stock Could Lead the Next Gaming Revolution In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Vul Stock emerges as a groundbreaking innovation set to revolutionize virtual environments. Beyond what was previously known, this technology leverages the latest haptic feedback systems to offer an incredibly immersive experience for users that transcends traditional gaming. Features and Specifications Vul Stock integrates sophisticated sensors and actuators into specially designed gaming peripherals, allowing gamers to experience physical sensations corresponding to in-game events. The technology’s main features include: – Advanced Haptic Feedback : Provides realistic physical responses, such as the sensation of recoil or environmental disturbances. – High Compatibility : Seamlessly integrates with a broad range of gaming platforms and peripherals. – User Customization : Allows personalization settings for varying levels of sensitivity and feedback intensity. Use Cases Beyond Gaming While designed for gaming, Vul Stock’s potential extends to various other fields: – Virtual Reality Training : Offers enhanced simulations for training programs across industries, such as medical and military applications, where realistic interaction is crucial. – Rehabilitative Therapy : Assists in physical rehabilitation by creating controlled environments for patients to experience different physical stimuli. – Immersive Storytelling : Enhances storytelling by providing audiences with physical cues that deepen emotional and sensory engagement. Market Insights and Trends The introduction of Vul Stock is projected to ignite significant interest within the gaming community, leading to potential shifts in game design with a focus on immersive, tactile experiences. Industry experts predict: – Increased Adoption Rates : As more developers utilize Vul Stock, its prevalence in new game titles may rise quickly. – Transformation in Game Design : A shift toward creating experiences that prioritize not just visual, but tactile engagement. – Emerging Market Leaders : Companies specializing in haptic feedback technologies may become prominent players in the tech market. Security Aspects As with any advanced technology, ensuring the secure and private operation of Vul Stock devices is crucial. Developers are implementing robust security measures to protect against potential breaches that could affect user experiences. Sustainability Considerations Vul Stock development focuses on utilizing eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient components, aligning with global trends toward sustainability in technology manufacturing. Predictions for the Future Looking ahead, Vul Stock is expected to not only refine how we perceive virtual realities but also open new avenues for interactive experiences in both personal and professional settings. This technology could become a standard in immersive digital environments. The question now stands: Are you prepared to explore a new dimension in gaming and beyond? As Vul Stock continues to evolve, it promises to reshape interactions with virtual worlds, blending the boundaries between reality and imagination.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump's supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump's movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump's Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer , a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer's comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks , whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar." Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government , weighed in, defending the tech industry's need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump's world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift. His presidential transition team did not respond to questions about positions on visas for highly skilled workers or the debate between his supporters online. Instead, his team instead sent a link to a post on X by longtime adviser and immigration hard-liner Stephen Miller that was a transcript of a speech Trump gave in 2020 at Mount Rushmore in which he praised figures and moments from American history. Musk, the world's richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect , was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump's movement but his stance on the tech industry's hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry's need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent," he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Trump's own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration , including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order , which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump's businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club , and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country" and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country," he told the “All-In" podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump's budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.

Image via Jamie Squire/Getty After a fun star studded Eras-themed birthday party and a Christmas apart from each other, the power couple, global pop star Taylor Swift and her boyfriend, the NFL star and the highest paid tight end in the NFL, Travis Kelce are in New York City. They were seen on a dinner date on Friday, holding hands and lost in each other’s eyes. Both Taylor and Travis also decided to twin on their NYC date night - Taylor decided to wear a black dress, a luxurious Stella McCartney grey blazer on top of the dress and black stockings to complete the look. Travis wore a black shirt, a grey coat and light brown pants. Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Spotted Together On A Date Night In NYC As per reports, the Stella McCartney blazer is worth a whopping $5,500, which for the global pop star, Taylor Swift, is not a lot of money. Taylor kept her hair open for the date night and framed her face with bangs. She also opted for a red lip and minimal jewellery. Travis was spotted wearing a silver chain which completed his overall look. As per the Kansas City Chiefs’ journalist Pete Sweeney who recently appeared on the “New Day with SSJ” podcast and revealed that the tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs will be travelling to New York City to spend the rest of the holiday season with his girlfriend. While Pete did not name anyone in the podcast, it is quite easy to assume that the person he referred to is none other than Travis Kelce, boyfriend of the global pop star Taylor Swift who is also a self made billionaire. This makes sense now as they have spotted out on a date night in the same city. Taylor Swift Is Planning To Leave NYC And Move To Nashville As per reports, Taylor has been planning to move to her home in Nashville so that she can be closer to Travis who currently resides in the Kansas City. This is not the only reason for which Taylor is planning to move though; her mother, Andrea Swift, also has a soft spot for Nashville and this has motivated Taylor more to consider leaving her residence in New York City and moving to her residence in Nashville. Currently, Taylor lives in a New York City apartment that is worth $50 million. She has been smart with her money and has invested in real estate even in Nashville where she owns an apartment and a mansion. As per reports, Travis plans to spend the New Year's Eve with his girlfriend Taylor and then extend his stay in New York City for a couple of more days and join in the playoffs which starts next month. He might not be playing against the Denver Broncos on 5th January and might be spotted only when the Kansas City Chiefs start playing in the playoffs. However, nothing has been confirmed yet. Also Read: Josh Allen’s Christmas gift to Hailee Steinfeld is a personalized Buffalo Bills jacket that has fans talking(All times Eastern) Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts Monday, Dec. 9 COLLEGE BASKETBALL (MEN’S) 6:30 p.m. BTN — Minnesota at Indiana 8 p.m. CBSSN — Abilene Christian at Baylor COLLEGE SOCCER (WOMEN’S) 7 p.m. ESPNU — NCAA Tournament: Wake Forest vs. North Carolina, Championship NBA BASKETBALL 7:30 p.m. NBATV — New York at Toronto NFL FOOTBALL 8:15 p.m. ABC — Cincinnati at Dallas ESPN — Cincinnati at Dallas ESPN2 — Cincinnati at Dallas (MNF with Peyton and Eli) NHL HOCKEY 7 p.m. NHLN — Chicago at N.Y. Rangers SOCCER (MEN’S) 3 p.m. USA — Premier League: Wolverhampton at West Ham United The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive TV listings provided by LiveSportsOnTV . Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.WhatsApp is working on a feature to bring a feature to remind you about the message that you missed to read. Here is how it will work. Ever forgotten to reply on WhatsApp? Let’s be honest — we’ve all been there! You open a WhatsApp message, get distracted, and totally forget to reply. It happens more often than we’d like to admit. But it looks like WhatsApp is working on a fix. According to reports, the instant messaging app is testing a new feature that could remind you about important messages you may have missed. You might already know that WhatsApp reminds you about missed status updates from friends. Now, the app is expanding this idea to messages. As per a report by WabetaInfo, the latest beta version for Android (v2.24.25.29) includes a “message reminder” feature. What’s special about it is that the feature notifies you about messages that you may have forgotten to check or respond to. But don’t worry — it’s not going to buzz you for every unread message. WhatsApp seems to be focusing on messages from people you interact with the most, making sure the reminders are actually useful and not annoying. How Could It Work? Though WhatsApp hasn’t officially explained how this feature works, the report by WabetaInfo suggests that it may rely on an on-device algorithm. In simple terms, the app could track how often you chat with certain people and prioritise reminders from those contacts. This means the reminders would adjust based on your current interactions, making them more personalised over time. When Will You Get It? Before you rush to check your WhatsApp settings, keep in mind that this feature is still in the beta version, which means it is not available to all users. A few of the beta testers seem to have come across it, but it is still not in mass circulation. WhatsApp appears to be trying it out in phases, perhaps to make some adjustments as per the consumers who tested it out. There has been no official announcement on when this feature will be available however it does seem like something a sizable number of the users would want. Just think of the scenario as lots of messages being sent and received on a daily basis and telling people that it is easy to miss some of the messages that have been sent. Perhaps, it would be helpful for bothersome, abusive, or unnecessary conversations to be flagged by the WhatsApp app. Click for more latest Tech news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Divya is a Senior Sub-Editor with about 3 years of experience in journalism and content writing. Before joining News9live, she had contributed to Times Now and Hindustan Times, where she focused on tech reporting and reviewing gadgets. When she's not working, you can find her indulging in Netflix, expressing her creativity through painting, and dancing.Climate-threatened nations stage protest at COP29 over contentious deal