ISLAMABAD - South Asia, home to over 1.8 billion people, is facing escalating environmental challenges, with marine pollution emerging as a critical threat. Coastal ecosystems, reliant on fishing and tourism, are suffering from rising levels of plastic waste, industrial runoff, and untreated sewage. Immediate action is needed to protect both the environment and the livelihoods of vulnerable populations. The region’s heavy reliance on agriculture is a key driver of marine pollution, as excessive use of chemical fertilizers causes nutrient-rich runoff that contaminates rivers and oceans. Despite efforts to improve farming practices, countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh continue to see rising fertilizer use, aggravating the environmental crisis. A recent World Bank report reveals that six South Asian countries contribute to cross-border pollution, including plastics, industrial waste, and untreated sewage, through the 20 major rivers in the region. The Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Indus River basins are major sources of pollution. This environmental degradation is severely impacting coastal economies, with declining fish stocks, polluted beaches, and damaged marine habitats leading to significant economic losses. 2-day Kashmir Jannat Nazeer festival concludes Plastic waste, one of the most persistent threats to marine life, exacerbates the problem. Improper waste management and storm-driven littering result in plastics — such as bags, bottles, and fishing gear —entering the oceans. The long decomposition time of plastic leaves lasting damage to coastal ecosystems. Pakistan, for instance, faces significant marine pollution challenges, especially in its coastal cities like Karachi and the districts of Thatta, Sujawal, and Badin in Sindh. The country generates approximately 20 million tons of waste annually, with 10% consisting of plastic. While Pakistan has taken steps, such as banning single-use plastic bags in major cities, much more needs to be done. Local governments can extend these bans to coastal areas and organize cleanup projects to promote sustainable practices. Professor Dr. Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar, a Sustainable Development Expert, talking to APP emphasizes that effective wastewater management is crucial in mitigating marine pollution. He advocates for the installation and upgrading of wastewater treatment plants to prevent untreated industrial and domestic waste from reaching the sea. He also suggests converting waste into energy as a sustainable alternative. ITP tackle over 800,000 traffic violations, issues 64,395 new licenses in 2024 Dr. Kumbhar stresses the importance of stricter enforcement of environmental laws, particularly in Sindh, to prevent industries from discharging untreated waste into the sea. He also advocates for educating local communities and stakeholders about the harmful effects of marine pollution and promoting eco-friendly practices. Establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) along the Sindh coastline would also contribute to conserving vital marine ecosystems, he says. Marine pollution is not only a threat to biodiversity but also to the health of coastal communities. The pollutants in the oceans, such as heavy metals, microplastics, and chemicals, accumulate in fish, posing serious health risks including cancer and neurological disorders. Poor sanitation and untreated sewage discharge further exacerbate waterborne diseases like cholera, hepatitis, and gastrointestinal infections in coastal areas. Moreover, the declining fish stocks due to pollution threaten the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen in Sindh and other regions. Shakrial post office: a lifeline amidst adversity The destruction of coral reefs, vital for biodiversity and coastal protection, further complicates the situation. Pollution, including oil spills, significantly damages these ecosystems, weakening natural defenses against cyclones and rising sea levels. Mangroves, another crucial barrier against coastal erosion, are also suffering from unchecked industrial activities and pollution. As a result, coastal areas are becoming more vulnerable to extreme weather events. Addressing marine pollution in South Asia requires concerted efforts at both the regional and global levels. Dr. Kumbhar stresses the importance of international collaboration to tackle transboundary marine pollution effectively. Drawing inspiration from initiatives in countries like Vietnam and Indonesia, he advocates for shared knowledge and joint actions to reduce ocean pollution. Indonesia, for example, plans to cut marine plastic debris by 70% by 2025 through public awareness campaigns and infrastructure improvements. Similarly, Vietnam aims to reduce marine plastic by 50% by 2030, focusing on eliminating single-use plastics in coastal tourist areas. Azerbaijan cuts Russian citizens' stay from 180 to 90 days Meanwhile, in China, the “Blue Circle” initiative, started in 2020, uses digital technology to manage marine plastic waste, with impressive results. This model has helped recycle over 10,000 tonnes of marine waste, including 2,200 tonnes of plastic, with plans to expand the effort nationwide. The threats facing South Asia’s marine ecosystems are undeniable. Acidification, overfishing, and pollution are all factors contributing to the rapid decline in ocean health, impacting food chains and the income of those reliant on fishing. Immediate action is required to safeguard marine biodiversity, protect local economies, and ensure long-term sustainability. Governments, industries, and local communities must collaborate to enforce stricter environmental laws, promote sustainable practices, and invest in cleanup initiatives. Only through combined efforts can South Asia hope to reverse the damage and preserve its coastal resources for future generations. CTP issue 40,985 challan slips to unfit PSVs Tags: marine pollution a

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AS the international community commemorates the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness 2024 with the theme: ‘Strengthening Global Health Systems for Future Crises,’ government agencies and stakeholders need to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system to nip diseases in the bud. First established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2020, the IDEP has been observed annually to promote global awareness and collaboration in preparing for future epidemics. The day was introduced in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which exposed the vulnerabilities of global health systems and underscored the need for coordinated international responses to public health crises. Its primary aim, according to the UN, is to enhance global awareness, promote information sharing, and encourage best practices to prevent future epidemics. The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention defines an epidemic as an “occurrence of more cases of disease than expected in a given area or among a specific group of people over a particular period of time.” The WHO has explained that epidemic-prone diseases, including emerging and re-emerging diseases, constitute the greatest threat to public health security and the disruption of social and economic developments in countries. In Nigeria, Lassa fever, mpox, Ebola virus disease, yellow fever, and poliomyelitis have been identified by health experts as the top five emerging and re-emerging infectious disease outbreaks the country has battled with since the turn of the century. Meningitis and cholera are other diseases afflicting Nigerians. In Africa’s most populous country, malaria fever is also an epidemic. Nigeria accounted for 27 per cent of the world’s malaria cases and 31 per cent of deaths in 2022. It is the leading cause of death in the country, as about 90 per cent of the population is at risk of malaria infection. The 2023 World Malaria Report said 189,321 Nigerians died from malaria in 2022. Sadly, despite the global advocacy towards effective epidemic response strategies, the Nigerian healthcare industry currently faces challenges associated with outbound medical tourism, deteriorating medical infrastructure, low government budget allocation, poor compensation and mass emigration of skilled healthcare workers. Notably, Nigerian governments have failed to draw lessons from the country’s COVID-19 experience, which resulted in 3,155 deaths and 267,189 confirmed cases. Although Nigeria has a viable local pharmaceutical industry, there is no human vaccine manufacturing chain in the country. Related News Yobe begins yellow fever mass vaccination campaign Yobe unveils 2024 yellow fever vaccination campaign Nigeria’s long road forward Nigeria has an acute shortage of medical personnel. The Nigerian Medical Association puts the doctor-to-patient ratio at between 1:6,000 and 1:10,000. The wealthy take refuge in medical tourism, especially in India and Europe. This sets the economy back $1 billion annually. Tellingly, Nigeria’s investment in research and development at less than 0.2 per cent of the GDP, compared to 2.4 per cent in China and 3.4 per cent in the United States, is notably low for a country committed to strengthening its healthcare system. The state of the public healthcare centres in Nigeria is shocking, as only about 20 per cent of the over 30,000 primary healthcare facilities across Nigeria are fully functional, according to an estimate given by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency. To boost preparation against the surge of epidemics, Nigerian hospitals, laboratories, and primary healthcare centres need to be better equipped and fully functional. Disease source tracking and detection should be prioritised. The government and stakeholders should fund local vaccine production as well as research and development initiatives to combat the spread of diseases. Public awareness of the health benefits of hand washing, sanitation and hygiene should be stepped up. Citizens should be sensitised to understand that abandoning these health and safety protocols could be deleterious to their physical health.

Mumbai: Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade on Monday amid unabated foreign fund outflows and weak trends in the global markets. The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex declined 142.26 points to 78,556.81 in early trade. The NSE Nifty dipped 48.35 points to 23,765.05. From the 30 blue-chip pack, Infosys, Mahindra & Mahindra, HCL Technologies, Titan, Power Grid, Tech Mahindra, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Tata Motors were among the biggest laggards. Adani Ports, Zomato, UltraTech Cement and ITC were among the gainers. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 1,323.29 crore on Friday, according to exchange data. In Asian markets, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong were trading lower while Seoul quoted higher. US markets ended in the negative territory on Friday. Global oil benchmark Brent crude went up 0.07 per cent to USD 74.22 a barrel. The BSE benchmark climbed 226.59 points or 0.29 per cent to settle at 78,699.07 on Friday. The Nifty went up by 63.20 points or 0.27 per cent to 23,813.40.

Colorado hands No. 2 UConn second straight loss in Maui

An Indian actor was on Friday arrested after his appearance at a movie screening allegedly prompted a stampede by fans that crushed a woman to death, police and local media said. Huge crowds had gathered at a theatre in the southern city of Hyderabad on December 4 to catch a glimpse of actor Allu Arjun as he arrived for the screening of his film Pushpa 2: The Rule. The 42-year-old actor was arrested on suspicion of three offences, including voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means, a police officer said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to media. The officer added that seven other people had already been arrested in the case. A video on social media platform X, shared by broadcaster TV9, showed the actor holding a coffee mug as he spoke to officers who arrived at his residence to take him into custody. Later in the day, Arjun was granted interim bail for four weeks, media reports said. The victim of the stampede was a woman in her 30s attending the screening with her son, who was also seriously injured. The woman’s family later filed a complaint against Arjun, his security team and the theatre management, media outlet India Today reported. Arjun said he was “deeply heartbroken” two days after the accident. “While respecting their need for space to grieve, I stand committed to extend every possible assistance to help them navigate through this challenging journey,” he wrote on X. Related Story 12th Ajyal Film Festival wraps up EU Youth Short Film Festival showcases Europe, Qatar talentsFormer U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Florida, said on Friday that he does not intend to return to Congress after he resigned to become President-elect Donald Trump's attorney general nominee. Gaetz withdrew from consideration on Thursday as several Republican senators reportedly were not planning to vote to confirm his nomination. His nomination was potentially headed toward failure as senators raised concerns after the House Ethics Committee's findings into alleged sexual misconduct by Gaetz were not released to the public. The House Ethics Committee could have potentially released its findings, but Gaetz ended up leaving the House days before the committee's planned vote. After he resigned from Congress, Speaker Mike Johnson said the report and the committee's findings should not be made public. RELATED STORY | Matt Gaetz says he's removing his name for consideration for attorney general After Gaetz withdrew his nomination, there was speculation on whether Gaetz would attempt to return to Congress as he was reelected to the House earlier this month. Speaking to Charlie Kirk on Friday, he put an end to that speculation. "I'm still gonna be in the fight, but it's going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress," he said. "There are a number of fantastic Floridians who have stepped up to run for my seat." Gaetz said he has other goals in life after spending 16 years in elected office. "I am going to be fighting for President Trump," he said. "I am going to do whatever he asks of me, I always have. I think eight years is enough time in the United States Congress." Hours after Gaetz's announcement, Trump said that he would nominate former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to be his nominee. Gaetz's seat will be filled following a special election.

Japan Retail Trade s.a (MoM) rose from previous 0.1% to 1.8% in NovemberThe make and brand of the sweater worn by murder suspect Luigi Mangione in court Monday, when he pleaded not guilty to federal charges, has sold out. Meanwhile, more merchandise centered on Mangione is appearing online, as he continues to draw support from fans worldwide. Mangione has been arrested and charged with more than a dozen counts, including murder, in the Dec. 4 shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The evolution of Mangione from unknown tech employee and former Gilman School valedictorian to a suspect in a high-profile murder, and even a hero to some because of his reported views on the polarizing American health system, has perplexed and confused many people — and becoming a fashion icon and the subject of merchandise from mugs to posters is one more sign of a large and diverse fan base. While being arraigned on charges of murder in the furtherance of terrorism and other counts in New York, Mangione’s supporters took particular notice of the burgundy sweater he wore during his plea of not guilty on federal charges in Manhattan. Later identified as a merino wool sweater from Nordstrom in the color Burgundy Royale, the sweater worn by Mangione has since sold out following his court appearance. Eagle-eyed legal observers noted that Mangione’s attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, also wore a similar color and style in court, where she described Mangione as a “ human ping pong ball ,” but it wasn’t identical to her client’s. Etsy sellers have also capitalized on Mangione’s notoriety, creating merchandise featuring his likeness on T-shirts, mugs and even flower pots, prompting the retailer to send some sellers featuring the murder suspect takedown notices . In addition to his online supporters researching his outfit, Mangione was joined in court by about two dozen female fans , some of whom wore face masks and cried during his court appearance. The outfits reminded some on social media of the one worn by Ken Bone, an undecided voter who became a minor internet phenomenon in 2016. Nordstrom selling out of Mangione’s sweater is the latest example of his fanbase’s numbers. Tattoos, depictions of Mangione as a saint and a local banner reading “Deny Defend Depose,” the words allegedly on the bullets used to kill Thompson, show how divided the public has become over the 26-year-old Maryland native. ©2024 Baltimore Sun. Visit baltimoresun.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

After withdrawing from AG consideration, Gaetz says he won't return to CongressColorado hands No. 2 UConn second straight loss in Maui

On Football analyzes the biggest topics in the NFL from week to week. For more On Football analysis, head here . Saquon Barkley has become the Shohei Ohtani of the NFL. There’s no better home run hitter playing football right now. Barkley had touchdown runs of 72 and 70 yards for the Philadelphia Eagles in a 37-20 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night. He now has five runs of 50-plus yards this season and is on pace to break Eric Dickerson’s single-season record of 2,105 yards set in 1984. Barkley’s historic performance against the Rams — his 255 yards set a team record — captivated a national audience and turned him into a fan favorite for the AP NFL MVP award. He’s not the betting favorite, however. Josh Allen has the best odds at plus-150, according to Bet MGM Sportsbook. Two-time MVP Lamar Jackson is next at plus-250 followed by Barkley at plus-400. Running backs have won the award 18 times, including three-time winner Jim Brown, who was the AP’s first NFL MVP in 1957. Quarterbacks have dominated the award, winning it 45 times. Only three players who weren’t QBs or RBs have been MVP. It takes a special season for a non-QB to win it mainly because the offense goes through the signal caller. Quarterbacks handle the ball every offensive snap, run the show and get the credit when things go well and the blame when it doesn’t. Adrian Peterson was the most recent non-QB to win it when he ran for 2,097 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Minnesota Vikings in 2012. Playing for a winning team matters, too. Nine of the past 11 winners played for a No. 1 seed with the other two winners on a No. 2 seed. The Vikings earned the sixth seed when Pederson was MVP. Barkley is a major reason why the Eagles (9-2) are leading the NFC East and only trail Detroit (10-1) by one game for the top spot in the conference. Does he have a realistic chance to win the MVP award? Kicker Mark Moseley was the MVP in the strike-shortened 1982 season when he made 20 of 21 field goals and 16 of 19 extra points in nine games for Washington. If voters once selected a kicker, everyone has a chance, especially a game-changer such as Barkley. Defensive tackle Alan Page was the MVP in 1971 and linebacker Lawrence Taylor won it in 1986. Running back Christian McCaffrey finished third in voting last year and wide receiver Justin Jefferson placed fifth in 2022. The Offensive Player of the Year award and Defensive Player of the Year award recognize the best all-around players on both sides of the ball, allowing voters to recognize non-QBs if they choose. Wide receivers and running backs have won the AP OPOY award seven times over the past 11 seasons. McCaffrey was the 2023 winner. The AP’s new voting format introduced in 2022 also gives non-QBs a better opportunity to get MVP recognition. Voter submit their top five picks for each award, with a weighted point system. Previously, voters made one choice for each award. A nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league vote for MVP and seven other awards. The awards are based on regular-season performance. The Chiefs (10-1) and Bills (9-2) already are in position to lock up postseason berths right after Thanksgiving. Kansas City clinches a playoff berth with a win over Las Vegas on Black Friday and a loss by Miami on Thursday night, or a win plus a loss by Denver on Monday night. Buffalo can wrap up a fifth straight AFC East title with a victory over San Francisco on Sunday and a loss by the Dolphins. It’s not a given that the Dallas Cowboys will be looking for a new head coach after this season. Owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday on local radio that Mike McCarthy could end up getting a contract extension. “I don’t think that’s crazy at all. This is a Super Bowl-winning coach. Mike McCarthy has been there and done that. He has great ideas. We got a lot of football left,” Jones said. McCarthy led the Cowboys (4-7) to three straight 12-win seasons, but they went 1-3 in the playoffs and haven’t reached the NFC championship game since winning the Super Bowl 29 years ago. Injuries have contributed to the team’s struggles this season, but Dallas was just 3-5 before Dak Prescott was lost for the rest of the season. The Cowboys upset Washington last week and their next four games are against teams that currently have losing records. If they somehow end up 9-8 or even 8-9, Jones could make a case for keeping McCarthy. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflBroadcom Inc AVGO stock surged Friday after it reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter adjusted EPS results and raised its quarterly common stock dividend. The company reported a topline of $14.05 billion, up from $9.3 billion, compared to the analyst estimate of $14.57 billion. EPS of $1.42 missed the analyst consensus of $1.46. Also Read: T-Mobile’s Premium Valuation Prompts Downgrade As Growth Projections Decelerate: Analyst Broadcom expects first-quarter revenue of ~$14.60 billion, almost in line with the $14.61 billion consensus estimate. Multiple Wall Street analysts rerated the stock after the print: Rosenblatt analyst Hans Mosesmann maintained Broadcom with a Buy and raised the price target from $240 to $250 . B of A Securities analyst Vivek Arya reiterated Broadcom with a Buy and raised the price target from $215 to $250. JP Morgan analyst Harlan Sur maintained Broadcom with an Overweight and raised the price target from $210 to $250. Rosenblatt: Broadcom came in with a slight beat on continued AI and networking momentum and some VMWare first-quarter pushouts. Non-AI dynamics continue to demonstrate modest cyclical recovery. The Street will pivot on management’s disclosure of the line-of-sight AI serviceable available market (SAM) at its current custom ASIC (XPU) 3 hyperscaler customers of $60 billion—$90 billion by 2027, up from the $15 billion—$20 billion level in 2024. Interestingly, Broadcom has two new potential engagements that could eventually match the size of the current three. The AI 3-year outlook supports the ~60% CAGR of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.’s AMD TAM of $500 billion for the 2027 and 2028 timeframes. Management implied strong prospects for maintaining AI custom ASIC leadership and share gains over Nvidia Corp NVDA GPUs. Broadcom already has working custom ASIC 3nm silicon that will ship this Spring, well ahead of anybody in the market. While custom ASIC sister Marvell Technology, Inc MRVL is also in the 3nm race, it is roughly a year behind Broadcom. Mosesmann’s fiscal 2025 revenue and adjusted EPS estimates remain unchanged. B of A Securities: The rerating reflects Broadcom’s expanding custom-chip (ASIC) AI, surging AI opportunity, and potential to maintain a position at large wireless customer Apple. Near-term results were inline, though the pushout of some software deals from the fourth to the first quarter helped Broadcom guide the first quarter inline versus concerns of missing due to seasonal headwinds, the analyst said. Arya projected fiscal 2025 revenue of $61.1 billion (prior $59.3 billion) and EPS of $6.27 (prior $6.00). He expects fiscal 2026 revenue of $70.2 billion (prior $68.5 billion) and EPS of $7.50 (prior $7.31). His forecast implies a growth trajectory of about 15% sales and 20% EPS over the next three years across a diversified silicon and infrastructure software base. Based on Broadcom’s leading capabilities and IP in leading-edge logic, networking, memory, and interface design, Arya projected its AI sales to grow from $12 billion in the current year to about $30 billion by calendar 2027. However, Arya noted an upside to a 30% EPS CAGR towards $11-$12/share by calendar 2027, assuming AI sales get to $53 billion instead, based on Broadcom maintaining its current 70% share of a larger $75 billion SAM. There could be further upside since, per Broadcom, the stated range is only for its current three customer’s “line-of-sight” intention to each build 1 million unit custom accelerator (XPU) clusters requiring an 80% and 20% mix of compute and networking. JP Morgan: Broadcom delivered solid fourth-quarter quarterly results on continued strong sequential growth in its AI semiconductor segment, which offset lower software revenues. For the first quarter, Broadcom guided revenues in line with consensus expectations and better than market expectations on sustained strong AI demand and software revenue acceleration. The fiscal 2024 AI revenues were $12.2 billion, up 3 times year-on-year. Sur expects them to grow to $17 billion-$18 billion (+40% Y/Y) in fiscal 2025, given continued strong cloud and hyperscaler capex spending trends with a focus on AI infrastructure build-out and second-half ramp of Alphabet Inc GOOG GOOGL Google’s next-gen TPU v6 3nm AI accelerator ASIC. More importantly, Broadcom expects the AI SAM opportunity for its three existing cloud/hyperscalers to accelerate, driven by continued substantial investments in multi-generational XPU road maps and larger cluster sizes. Even applying a more conservative market share assumption, Sur noted that Broadcom’s AI business is growing at a 40%- 50%+ revenue CAGR over the next several years. In the near term, despite a product handoff from the TPU v6 inference chip at 5nm to the TPU v6 training chip at 3nm, Broadcom is still guiding for sequential growth in its AI revenues for the first quarter. The TPU v6 3nm training chip will likely move into a high volume ramp in the second half of next fiscal year, and this one SKU Sur noted can drive $8 billion+ for Broadcom in fiscal 2025. Given its portfolio breadth, diversification, and product cycles, Broadcom continues to drive a stable revenue growth profile even during macro volatility. Broadcom generated strong free cash flow for the year, which resulted in an 11% dividend increase. Sur projected fiscal 2025 revenue of $62.7 billion and EPS of $6.50. Price Action: AVGO stock is up 19.7% at $216.20 at last check Friday. Also Read: Google Has The Ability To Scale AI By Leveraging Its Global User Base: Analyst Photo by Rokas Tenys via Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. 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Gerry Hutch has labelled the housing crisis “disgraceful” and vowed to prioritise homelessness if elected. The independent candidate, who is out on bail following an international investigation into money laundering by the Hutch Organised Crime Group , is standing in his native Dublin Central. When he encountered Newstalk ’s Henry McKean on Sheriff Street, close to where he grew up, Hutch said he wanted to help locals “as much as possible” and dismissed claims that his candidacy was not serious. “There’s no sense in running if you’re not going to be genuine and truthful,” he said. “If I get elected, I’ll do what I can.” When pressed what cause he would champion in Dáil Éireann, Hutch said would have one main priority. “ Homelessness , housing for the people - affordable housing,” he said. “People cannot get on the property ladder; we need affordable housing. “Someone who is starting to get on the property ladder has to be earning 120 grand a year. “It’s disgraceful; it’s not for the people around here.” Plenty of homes in Sheriff Street have Hutch No. 1 posters and the candidate said he is standing in response because of popular demand. “The people have asked me to run,” he said. “They’ve asked me to run over the years and, lately, they’ve pushed and pushed me - and I’m running.” In fact, Hutch said he only wished he got involved in politics sooner. “Maybe I should have run as a politician when I was 20,” he said. “I’m coming out of semi-retirement to do this for the people. “I could just chill out and not do it but they’re pushing me into it.” Other high profile candidates in the constituency include Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald, Fine Gael Minister Paschal Donohoe, Gary Gannon of the Social Democrats, Neasa Hourigan of the Greens and former Dublin MEP Clare Daly. You can find out who is most likely to take the constituency’s four seats by listening to Newstalk ’s Calling It podcast with Ivan Yates and Seán Defoe. You can listen back here: Main image shows Gerry Hutch. Picture by: RollingNews.ieBarron Trump continues his new life chapter in college. The presidential family has shown their support as he embarks on his studies at New York University's Stern School of Business in Lower Manhattan. Barron is reportedly still adjusting while living at the family's Midtown Manhattan residence, Trump Tower. Barron Trump is NYU's latest 'ladies man': Report Melania Trump's First Lady outfits: Her latest gray ensemble at the New York Stock Exchange Melania Trump praises son Barron for 'giving advice to his father' Donald Trump A source has revealed that his mom, Melania Trump, is guiding him throughout his first semesters , and it seems he will not be staying at the college dorms anytime soon. "Living in a dorm in a college town isn’t in the stars for him at this point," a source said to People magazine. “Whether or not others think he is capable of being on his own, Melania feels it's better to be around him as much as possible," the source said. "I see that continuing." "[Melania] will do everything she can to make sure Barron does well in school and is socially and mentally adjusted to his life as a college student," the insider explained, adding that Barron "already has his own political ideas. It all needs to be monitored in light of the situation." The former and future First Lady is also preparing to take on her political duties ahead of the presidential inauguration. However, she is still present for her son's needs. "Barron is in school all day, so she has plenty of time for official jobs as well as being there for her son when he needs her," the source said. "Every mother handles her children the way she feels best," the insider said about the decision behind Barron to stay at the Trump Tower as he continues his education at NYU, adding that his living situation might change in the future, but it is the best decision "for now." "I don't think it's possible for him to be a normal student. His experience at college, it's very different than any other kid," Melania previously said during an interview with Fox & Friends.The Gunners delivered the statement Champions League victory their manager had demanded to bounce back from a narrow defeat at Inter Milan last time out. Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard got their continental campaign back on track, lifting them to seventh place with 10 points in the new-look 36-team table. It was Arsenal’s biggest away win in the Champions League since beating Inter by the same scoreline in 2003. “For sure, especially against opposition we played at their home who have not lost a game in 18 months – they have been in top form here – so to play with the level, the determination, the purpose and the fluidity we showed today, I am very pleased,” said Arteta. “The team played with so much courage, because they are so good. When I’m watching them live they are so good! They were all exceptional today. It was a big performance, a big win and we are really happy. “The performance was there a few times when we have played big teams. That’s the level that we have to be able to cope and you have to make it happen, and that creates belief.” A memorable victory also ended Sporting’s unbeaten start to the season, a streak of 17 wins and one draw, the vast majority of which prompted Manchester United to prise away head coach Ruben Amorim. The Gunners took the lead after only seven minutes when Martinelli tucked in Jurrien Timber’s cross, and Saka teed up Havertz for a tap-in to double the advantage. Arsenal added a third on the stroke of half-time, Gabriel charging in to head Declan Rice’s corner into the back of the net. To rub salt in the wound, the Brazilian defender mimicked Viktor Gyokeres’ hands-over-his-face goal celebration. That may have wound Sporting up as they came out after the interval meaning business, and they pulled one back after David Raya tipped Hidemasa Morita’s shot behind, with Goncalo Inacio netting at the near post from the corner. But when Martin Odegaard’s darting run into the area was halted by Ousmane Diomande’s foul, Saka tucked away the penalty. Substitute Trossard added the fifth with eight minutes remaining, heading in the rebound after Mikel Merino’s shot was saved. A miserable night for prolific Sporting striker Gyokeres was summed up when his late shot crashed back off the post.In its recently released blueprint, Info-Tech Research Group is providing insurers with a comprehensive framework to tackle the growing challenges of data privacy in the age of AI. In the resource, the global research and advisory firm recommends AI training, strong data governance, and proactive risk management to help insurers safeguard personally identifiable information (PII) while using AI for underwriting, claims processing, and customer engagement. TORONTO , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - As AI adoption continues to accelerate, the insurance industry is under increasing pressure to safeguard personally identifiable information (PII) against sophisticated data privacy risks. Global research and advisory firm Info-Tech Research Group explains in a newly published industry resource that traditional system safeguards and outdated legacy systems are proving insufficient to address the complexities of modern AI-driven processes, leaving insurers exposed to regulatory and technological vulnerabilities. To help insurers tackle these pressing challenges, Info-Tech Research Group's blueprint, Safeguard Your Data When Deploying AI in Your Insurance Systems , offers a strategic framework for integrating privacy-preserving AI solutions. The firm's resource features research insights and tools that will equip IT leaders in the insurance sector to strengthen compliance, mitigate risks, and protect PII while maintaining system performance. "Insurers handle vast amounts of data, from health records to financial histories, fed into AI systems that promise accuracy and efficiency but pose privacy concerns," says Arzoo Wadhvaniya , research analyst at Info-Tech Research Group . "A single breach could compromise thousands of customers' personal information, causing severe reputational and financial damage. It is not just about what AI can do; it is about ensuring it is done securely and ethically." In the blueprint, Info-Tech explains that traditional data safeguarding methods in the insurance industry are increasingly ineffective, as legacy systems often lack the flexibility to meet modern demands. The firm's research findings suggest that unfamiliarity with integrated AI technologies can lead to confusion among employees when assessing risks and determining appropriate applications. Complex regulatory requirements, which may not align with AI-driven processes, further heighten compliance challenges. To address these issues, Info-Tech recommends AI training programs to help employees understand associated risks and foster a culture of security and compliance. "Regulatory frameworks demand strict compliance, yet AI introduces complexities that make this harder. Insurers must ensure AI respects customer consent, limits data usage, and mitigates bias. Otherwise, the consequences could be costly in terms of both fines and lost trust," explains Wadhvaniya . Info-Tech's new resource provides IT leaders in the insurance industry with actionable strategies to address critical risks associated with generative AI. The firm emphasizes the importance of identifying insurance-specific risks and adopting a continuous improvement approach supported by metrics and a risk-based strategy aligned with a privacy framework tailored to organizational needs. The research highlights three key risks tied to generative AI: The firm advises the industry to take a proactive stance, implementing robust data governance practices, ensuring transparency, and fostering customer trust in the responsible use of AI. By leveraging insights from this blueprint, insurance companies can effectively address growing data privacy challenges while adopting advanced AI technologies for underwriting, claims processing, and customer engagement. For exclusive and timely commentary from Arzoo Wadhvaniya, an expert in IT strategies, and access to the complete Safeguard Your Data When Deploying AI in Your Insurance Systems blueprint , please contact pr@infotech.com . About Info-Tech Research Group Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations. To learn more about Info-Tech's divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights. Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com . For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/insurers-urged-to-safeguard-data-amid-rising-ai-adoption-and-privacy-risks-says-info-tech-research-group-302331530.html SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

Insurers Urged to Safeguard Data Amid Rising AI Adoption and Privacy Risks, Says Info-Tech Research Group

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