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KUWAIT: The Operations and Information Technology Group at National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) serves as the driving force behind the bank’s digital transformation, a cornerstone of its long-term strategy. Acting as the bank’s central hub of innovation and strategic thinking, the group spearheads efforts to reinforce NBK’s leadership in delivering cutting-edge banking solutions and exceptional digital products and services. This commitment ensures the bank stays at the forefront of the rapid technological advancements reshaping the global banking landscape. Throughout 2024, the Operations and Information Technology Group sustained its trajectory of success, introducing several innovative projects across various markets. These initiatives significantly enhanced the quality and scope of services and products offered by the Bank, reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional value to its customers. Mohammad Yousef Al-Kharafi, Head of Operations and Information Technology Group at NBK, emphasized that NBK’s strategy is built on three core pillars. The first pillar is customer centricity, leveraging technology to deliver personalized, intuitive, and seamless experiences across all touchpoints. The second pillar focuses on operational efficiency, achieved through intelligent process automation, optimization, and the development of scalable platforms to reduce costs and enhance flexibility. The third pillar emphasizes data-driven decision-making, with a strong focus on building robust data analytics capabilities to derive actionable insights, improve decision-making, and unlock new business opportunities. Al-Kharafi added that NBK’s Operations and Information Technology Group has outlined a clear roadmap and a phased approach to achieving its goals, which consists of three key stages. The first phase is digital empowerment, focused on modernizing platforms and building a robust IT infrastructure to support future innovation. The second phase centers on innovation and integration, expanding the bank’s digital offerings through advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), while ensuring seamless integration across various channels. The final phase is continuous development, fostering a culture of flexibility and innovation where technology, processes, and people continuously adapt to evolving customer needs and market dynamics. He also pointed out that in 2024, NBK successfully upheld its leadership in Kuwait and the region. This achievement follows substantial investments in technology and digital banking services over recent years. He also highlighted the bank’s commitment to anticipating the future of financial technology and staying aligned with the latest global advancements in the sector. Moreover, Al-Kharafi emphasized that earlier this year, the bank launched a transformational initiative designed to reshape its technological approach, strengthening institutional resilience through agile methodologies. He explained that this initiative resulted in a thorough restructuring of the group’s technology ecosystem, significantly boosting the bank’s capacity to swiftly and efficiently respond to the dynamic demands of its diverse business sectors. “This step marks a significant milestone in the bank’s journey towards realizing one of its core objectives: becoming a more agile and responsive organization. It reinforces our optimism about the transformative impact of these changes, which are poised to enhance the bank’s future success. By improving operational efficiency, these transformations will further reinforce NBK’s position as a leading institution locally, regionally, and globally,” Al-Kharafi said. He further explained that the Operations and Information Technology Group is committed to translating NBK’s digital transformation strategy into clear objectives. In addition, to prioritizing training and knowledge sharing, the bank’s strategy emphasizes fostering a digital culture and mindset across the entire organization, with over 7,000 employees actively engaged. The strategy also includes providing all employees with access to a digital learning library, covering key topics such as innovation, digital product development, digital payments, fintech, open banking, agile methodologies, and digital customer experience. Al-Kharafi also highlighted the Group’s dedication to tracking the latest global digital trends impacting the banking sector and creating insightful research and reports that capture the trends shaping the industry, including global best practices, gaps, and opportunities. In partnership with the Bank’s Design Center, the Operations and Information Technology Group prioritize delivering an outstanding user experience tailored to the specific needs of the bank’s users. This approach also includes conducting market research and user testing to identify the most relevant products and services for NBK’s customers. “These initiatives are designed to enhance service efficiency, allowing our employees to meet and often exceed customer expectations, thereby solidifying our reputation as a leading fintech organization through the rigorous application of our digital strategy. Our goal is not only to meet the needs and expectations of our customers, but to exceed that by anticipating their future needs and preferences,” Al-Kharafi added. He emphasized that NBK possesses unique strengths that set it apart from other financial institutions. As a dynamic leader in the banking sector, NBK boasts a diversified and ever-evolving portfolio of products and services. The bank’s leadership is reinforced by its strong presence in international markets, coupled with its commitment to attracting, developing, and investing in top banking talent. This dynamism reflects the bank’s unwavering focus on continually enhancing its products and services, while providing innovative solutions that effectively meet customer needs. Building on success, one milestone at a time The Operations and Information Technology Group contributed significantly to NBK’s digital transformation journey with several key achievements in 2024. As part of the International Banking Group (IBG) blueprint, in 2024, the Operations and Information Technology Group has embarked on a mission to utilize the bank’s digital technology assets in Kuwait to deploy state-of-the-art digital channels for its international branches, thus enhancing customers banking experience regardless of their location. This exemplifies NBK’s steadfast commitment to innovation and its role as a leader in the digital banking landscape, not only locally but also across its international locations. NBK has made substantial progress in the digital transformation of its overseas branches by adopting advanced technologies and digital channels to streamline banking operations and enhance the customer experience. The bank’s digital initiatives have received positive feedback, leading to a notable increase in its market share in the banking sectors of the countries where it operates. As part of its ongoing efforts to improve customer experience through self-service channels, and under the guidance of the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK), NBK launched the WAMD service in July 2024 via the NBK Mobile Banking App. This service offers the fastest payment transfer system in Kuwait, processing three times the volume of standard KWD transfers across all channels. Furthermore, in its ongoing efforts to modernize its ATM fleet, NBK has introduced a new service that transforms the customer banking experience. This service provides a personalized experience for various customer segments, offering flexible dispensing options, the ability to update KYC details using Kuwait Mobile ID, along with the full range of traditional banking transactions for NBK customers. NBK mobile banking app The NBK Mobile Banking App, Kuwait’s highest-rated mobile application for digital banking, underwent significant enhancements in 2024. These improvements focused on refining existing services and introducing new features, all driven by the newly implemented agile methodology, to better serve the bank’s customers. This year, the NBK Mobile Banking App saw a fourfold increase in new launches compared to the previous year, with nearly 90 new services and application enhancements. These updates have significantly advanced the bank’s digital channels, ensuring continued uptime, availability, quality, and secure operations. To support this growth, the bank has also upgraded its technology portfolio, reinforcing its capacity to meet the needs of an expanding customer base. Underscoring the strong trust in NBK’s digital channels, 97.9 percent of total banking transactions were conducted through the bank’s digital platforms (including all self-service channels). AI and automation NBK has launched the “Open Text Workflow” for Request Approval Workflow process Automation, marking significant step forward in streamlining the bank’s workflow. Moreover, NBK has reached a significant milestone by implementing 102 RPA processes and attained a program success rate of 98 percent. NBK is set to implement RPA automation in various regions, having already established RPA in three international locations. The automation initiative has significantly advanced NBK’s ESG goals, leading to a reduction of 6.3 million sheets of paper, saving over 200,000 hours of time, improving turnaround time by 90 percent, and decreasing carbon emissions. Fikrah platform NBK’s Operations & Information Technology Group has recently introduced the Innovation Platform, Fikrah. This platform will facilitate the sharing of ideas among participants, with the system assisting in the generation of creative concepts through various brainstorming techniques and customized prompts. This initiative is designed to foster a dynamic environment for the presentation of innovative ideas. The platform integrates gamification by assigning points to staff for their submitted ideas, which they can subsequently use for redemption purposes. International transfers Leveraging the outstanding regulatory and supervisory framework provided by the Central Bank of Kuwait, which sets a benchmark for excellence in the banking sector, NBK has achieved an impressive STP rate exceeding 90 percent for international transfers, positioning it among the region’s leaders in seamless and efficient cross-border transactions. NBK leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance transparency and convenience for customers in tracking their transfers. The bank utilizes the GPI tracker for outbound transfers and the Swift4C tracker for inbound transfers, enabling customers to receive real-time status updates on their fund transfer transactions through online channels at any time. Combined Outgoing FCY+ KWD Incoming STP Rates stood at 97 percent, while Combined Incoming FCY+ KWD Incoming STP Rates were 96 percent. Building on the Central Bank of Kuwait’s guidance, NBK has further enriched its banking services with the introduction of the 24/7 WAMD settlement mechanism for low-value transfers, alongside the innovative AFAQ service. This new feature, available through the NBK Mobile Banking App, provides near-real-time settlement of funds transfers to the GCC. Cybersecurity and anti-fraud In line with the Central Bank of Kuwait’s Strategic Framework for Cybersecurity for the Banking Sector issued in February 2020, NBK is adopting a proactive cybersecurity framework that aligns with the highest international standards. The bank strengthens this framework with a comprehensive strategy focusing on data governance, privacy, and security. The bank also utilizes advanced security technologies to safeguard its digital interfaces, which undergo regular assessments by both internal and external auditors. Additionally, NBK ensures continuous monitoring of its digital channels through its Security Operations Center, backed by integrated and well-defined response plans to efficiently manage any potential cyber incidents. In a proactive effort to strengthen customer protection and combat financial fraud, the Virtual Room (VR) was launched on December 7, 2023. Operating 24/7, under the guidance of the CBK, it offers immediate and comprehensive support for fraud-related cases, underscoring the vital role of banks in ensuring financial security. The VR operates in close coordination with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and local banks to address fraudulent cases efficiently and promptly, 24/7. Legal restrictions are enforced as directed by the Public Prosecution, with meticulous monitoring of fraud-related transactions across both NBK and non-NBK bank accounts. Additionally, advanced systems are employed to detect and report suspicious activities. A notable example of the VR’s efforts involved combating sophisticated scams where fraudsters exploited Kuwait Mobile ID App to breach customers’ phones and transfer their lines from traditional SIM cards to eSIMs, granting access to sensitive information. Additionally, the VR has identified other fraudulent tactics, including fake links, phishing emails, and deceptive phone calls. Complementing its control measures, NBK, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Kuwait, launched a series of intensive awareness campaigns under the slogan “Let’s Be Aware.” These initiatives aimed to enhance customer vigilance against potential risks, featuring appearances on prominent TV and radio programs such as 360 FM Radio and Kuwait News Channel. The efforts also extended to producing and sharing educational clips across the bank’s social media platforms. NBK underscores the importance of customer vigilance in safeguarding their financial security. It advises caution when interacting with unverified links or calls, encourages the use of authorized apps for transactions, and warns against falling for enticing but dubious social media offers. The bank also stresses the need for immediate reporting of suspicious activities, reaffirming its dedication to protecting customer funds and ensuring the security of their banking transactions. NBK tech academy In collaboration with the Operations and Information Technology Group and the Human Resources Group, NBK launched the NBK Tech Academy last year to stay ahead of advancements in technology, information, and data security. The academy’s inaugural batch of 10 trainees achieved remarkable success, and this year, it aims to qualify 15 trainees as part of its continued growth and development. In 2024, the focus shifted to nurturing internal talent while also recruiting new Kuwaiti graduates from the first cohort of the NBK Tech Academy. These graduates were integrated into the development teams within the Operations and Information Technology Group, where they played a significant and effective role in enhancing and innovating current and future services. Their contributions have helped further develop the services provided to customers, enriching them with new features and improving overall service offerings. Attracting female presence Demonstrating NBK’s commitment to attracting women in the technology sector, the Operations and Information Technology Group has recently initiated the “Women in Technology” program, which aims to promote leadership and enhance diversity within the organization. In 2024, NBK has observed a significant rise in the representation of women at different levels, including both technical and leadership roles. This progress is consistent with NBK’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion, acknowledging that diverse teams have a positive and sustainable impact on business results. IT infrastructure As NBK continues to innovate and enhance its technological and digital services by unifying its infrastructure and technologies, investing in new initiatives, and adopting the latest cybersecurity systems, infrastructure technology remains the cornerstone driving the bank’s technology and digital agendas. In 2024, the Operations and Information Technology Group focused on stabilizing the infrastructure of the Bank’s Tier III certified Data Center by making strategic investments in technology modernization and upgrading digital components and systems. Furthermore, the Group is advancing infrastructure automation and adopting a self-service model to accelerate and streamline user requests. The Group is placing strong emphasis on proactive monitoring by consistently investing in cutting-edge technology in this area, while also exploring a new infrastructure architecture design aimed at simplifying and unifying the Bank’s data centers. Going forward, NBK plans to adopt more innovative initiatives, including AI, generative AI, and other cutting-edge technologies that will drive business growth, enhance customer experiences, and accelerate service delivery in the market.CLEVELAND (AP) — Tyler Huntley scrambled for a touchdown and threw for one while starting for Tua Tagovailoa, and the Miami Dolphins stayed in the playoff race heading into their season finale with a 20-3 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. With Tagovailoa sidelined by a hip injury, Huntley did enough to keep the Dolphins (8-8) alive with one game left. Miami needs to win next weekend at the New York Jets and hope the Denver Broncos lose at home to Kansas City to get a wild-card berth. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and many of the top-seeded Chiefs' starters are expected to rest. Tagovailoa's status for next week is unclear, but Huntley showed he can get the job done if necessary. He finished 22 of 26 for 225 yards and didn't have any turnovers in his fourth start this season. The 26-year-old was with Cleveland in training camp before being released in August. The Browns (3-13) dropped their fifth straight and finished 2-6 at home. They improved their draft position for 2025, when they will likely look for a quarterback. Dorian Thompson-Robinson isn't the long-term answer. In his second straight start, the second-year QB completed 24 of 47 passes for 170 yards. He also threw an interception, lost a fumble and was flagged three times for intentional grounding. Both offenses had issues in windy and wet conditions, but Huntley handled them better. He ran for a 13-yard touchdown early in the third quarter to put the Dolphins up 13-3. After rolling right, Huntley made several precise cuts as he picked his way down the sideline and into the end zone. The Browns had a chance to cut into the lead, but Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey broke up Thompson-Robinson's fourth-and-goal pass toward Jerry Jeudy in the end zone. Huntley connected with tight end Jonnu Smith on a 7-yard TD with 3:38 left. Miami's Jason Sanders kicked field goals of 54 and 39 yards. He's made a franchise-best 25 in a row, the streak helped by a friendly bounce off the crossbar on his 54-yarder in the first quarter. The Browns tied it when Dustin Hopkins, who was benched for a game during a recent slump, kicked a 25-yard field goal. Browns defensive end Myles Garrett celebrated his 29th birthday with a pair of sacks. Last season's defensive player of the year has 14 this season, making him the first player in league history to get that many four years in a row. Dolphins: LT Terron Armstead suffered a knee injury in the second quarter and didn't return. Patrick Paul filled in. ... WR Jaylen Waddle (knee) was inactive. Browns: CB Denzel Ward (shoulder) didn't play in the second half after getting hurt in the second quarter. ... LB Jordan Hicks was ruled out with a head injury. ... RB Jerome Ford (ankle) was forced out in the first half. He came back but was only on the field for one play after halftime. ... RB Pierre Strong Jr. left with an apparent head injury in the final minutes. Dolphins: Wrap up the regular season against the Jets on Jan. 4 or 5. Browns: Visit Baltimore next weekend. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLRegeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN): Among the Most Promising Cancer Stocks According to Hedge Funds

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Higher oil prices in 2021 led to a healthy rebound in global drilling activity the following year, helping production in areas such as the USA and Brazil reach new heights. Indications of a softening drilling market in certain areas were seen in 2023 but became more prominent in 2024 with lagging rig activity onshore USA and high-profile rig contract suspensions onshore and offshore Saudi Arabia. With OPEC+ agreeing on 5 December to extend its voluntary output cuts into 2025, there are indications that the market may shrink further as we enter 2025. Westwood’s latest Wells & Production Outlook indicates that, although there are undoubtedly some downward pressures for drilling, especially in the short-term, the global picture still has significant positives. Over the 2025-2031 period, Westwood forecasts an average of 53,000 wells to be spud annually. On a regional level, the Americas is expected to lead drilling activity, driven by the USA (68% of regional activity), followed by Asia, where China dominates with 81%. Africa and Europe will be driven by activities in Russia, which will account for 79% of wells spud in the region, while drilling activities in the Middle East are more even spread, with the largest country, Oman, representing 27%. Proportion of Global Wells Drilled by Region 2025-2031 Source: Westwood Wells & Production Outlook 2025-2031 Back in 2018, the first year covered by this edition of the report, 59,000 wells were drilled globally. This is more than any year since, and any year expected over the forecast. Indexing this year to 100, it becomes clear that Asia and the Middle East are both expected to improve on 2018 levels throughout the forecast, with the number of wells drilled 18% and 26% higher over the forecast respectively. For Asia, this will be driven by China, which is expected to continue drilling >10,000 wells per year, while other countries, such as Indonesia and Thailand, drill at greater rates. The Middle East is expected to see the largest improvement, averaging over 4,000 wells per year, as NOCs ramp up drilling operations in onshore unconventional projects and brownfield offshore projects. Conversely, Africa and Europe, which are collated into one region for this report, are expected to average 9,360 wells over the forecast, down 4% on 2018. The region that stands out most clearly however is the Americas – the largest driller but also the one with little to no forecast growth. Taking 2018, when 26,300 wells were drilled as 100, the average indexed rate of drilling over the forecast will be 72, with an average of 19,000 wells drilled per year. This compares to 95 (Africa and Europe), 118 (APAC) and 126 (Middle East). Regionally, North America (Canada and the USA) is expected to dominate, with drilling in the Lower 48 remaining the key driver of regional activity. However, the USA is not expected to return to previous drilling levels. Instead, the country is forecast to continue to be dominated by the theme of capital efficiency and profit over pure production growth. 2024, a year with low natural gas prices and high supply costs, has shown that if market conditions aren’t right, operators will not hesitate to reduce rig activity until market conditions improve. Drilling in 2024 is estimated to be 7% lower than 2023 and 40% below 2018. Indexed Change in Wells Drilled by Region 2018-2031 Source: Westwood Wells & Production Outlook 2025-2031 Technological and drilling advancements are likely to be a major theme over the forecast, with operators drilling longer laterals and U-turn wells to further extract maximum value from each well. This is expected to continue to put downward pressure on the number of wells required annually, with an annual average of 12,400 onshore development wells over the forecast, 2% below an annual average of 12,700 wells in a hindcast impacted by the COVID-19 demand destruction in 2020. The election of Donald Trump and his “drill baby drill” slogan is unlikely to receive much of a reaction from operators predicted to continue with their capital conscious approach. However, the expected rescinding of Biden’s pause on approvals of new LNG export agreements should support an uplift in drilling in the shale basins with a higher gas content, which has been hit particularly hard this year. Activity in the USA has settled into a new normal – with the previous levels of drilling highly unlikely to be seen again. For those service companies and rig contractors who can offer the technologies and rigs that are growing increasingly important to operators in the shale plays, there remains huge opportunities despite the reduction in the volume of wells drilled. Another reason for the decline in drilling activities in the Americas since 2018 is onshore Latin America, where there is a limited positive outlook except for Argentina. The entire region is on a downward curve over the forecast as dwindling reserves, poor economic factors and political unrest impact drilling activity. In Mexico, 52 onshore wells were drilled in 1H 2024, compared to 88 in 1H 2023, a 41% decline YoY. This comes despite several promising condensate discoveries in recent years (Ixachi, Quesqui and Baktegas) and the delivery of 10 newbuild land rigs. It is unclear what impact the new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, will have on an industry that subsequent governments have failed to materially improve. However, Westwood does expect some improvement on the low 2024 figure (estimated at 85 for the year), with an average of 126 onshore wells over the forecast. Americas Drilling Outlook by Country Source: Westwood Wells & Production Outlook 2025-2031 Other regional players, including Colombia and Peru, have consistently recorded drilling numbers below historic levels in recent years, and there is little indication of improvement. This is despite some bullish production forecasts and new schemes in most countries to raise production – something that has failed to translate into material production improvement in the past. Despite this, there are several areas of the Americas predicted to see major growth over the forecast, including Argentina, where activity has ramped up from a low of 430 well spuds in 2020 to 1,071 in 2023. Operators pledged investments of US$9 billion into the Vaca Muerta shale play in 2024 and is on track to beat 2023 with 546 development wells drilled in 1H 2024, up 11% YoY. Removing restrictions on investment has become the centrepiece of the current government, given historic issues. This, coupled with increased offtake routes, should see the number of wells drilled increase YoY to almost 1,500 by 2031, a potentially conservative number but one reflective of the challenges that remain. Latin America Onshore Drilling Outlook (Excl. Argentina) Source: Westwood Wells & Production Outlook 2025-2031 Argentina remains beset by economic problems, while any potential changes in the government could disrupt the industry as they have in the past. On a more practical level, a significant increase in both equipment, including onshore rigs, and export infrastructure is vital to ensuring that growth can be maintained. Another key bright spot is in the subsea sector, where the Americas is forecast to lead global demand for subsea development wells, accounting for 47% over the forecast period, a 37% increase on the hindcast. This reflects the increase in activity in the well-established Brazilian deepwater sector, which will lead subsea development with 360 wells spud. Guyana will also have an increase in activity, with 220 subsea development wells expected over the forecast. Furthermore, the recently sanctioned GranMorgu will kickstart an era of deepwater development drilling offshore Suriname. Petronas’ discoveries in Suriname’s Block 52, as well as Petrobras’ and Shell’s gas discoveries offshore Colombia, add further interest and upside potential in the buoyant deepwater region. Proportion of Global Subsea Tree Installations (RoW vs Americas) Source: Westwood Wells & Production Outlook 2025-2031, SubseaLogix Continued strong investment in the deepwater US Gulf of Mexico will also boost regional activity, with approximately 115 subsea trees installed over the forecast. At the same time, the first deepwater fields in the Falkland Islands, Mexico and the aforementioned Suriname are expected online, adding a combined 84 subsea development wells to this already dominant region for subsea activity. With more than 133,000 wells to be drilled over the forecast, the Americas continues to represent a major area for drilling. The region is expected to remain a bright spot for deepwater drilling, led by Brazil and Guyana, while onshore North America is expected to remain in high demand, albeit with activity in the Lower 48 settled into a new normal. Argentina is expected to be a bright spot in what is otherwise a more negative outlook onshore Latin America. Source: Westwood Global Energy Group

Some quotations from Jimmy Carter: We have a tendency to exalt ourselves and to dwell on the weaknesses and mistakes of others. I have come to realize that in every person there is something fine and pure and noble, along with a desire for self-fulfillment. Political and religious leaders must attempt to provide a society within which these human attributes can be nurtured and enhanced. — from 1975 book “Why Not the Best?” Our government can express the highest common ideals of human beings — if we demand of government true standards of excellence. At this Bicentennial time of introspection and concern, we must demand such standards. — “Why Not the Best?” I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry. — “Why Not the Best?” Christ said, “I tell you that anyone who looks on a woman with lust has in his heart already committed adultery.” I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do — and I have done it — and God forgives me for it. But that doesn’t mean that I condemn someone who not only looks on a woman with lust but who leaves his wife and shacks up with somebody out of wedlock. — Interview, November 1976 Playboy. This inauguration ceremony marks a new beginning, a new dedication within our Government, and a new spirit among us all. A President may sense and proclaim that new spirit, but only a people can provide it. — Inaugural address, January 1977. It’s clear that the true problems of our nation are much deeper — deeper than gasoline lines or energy shortages, deeper even than inflation and recession. ... All the legislation in the world can’t fix what’s wrong with America. ... It is a crisis of confidence. — So-called “malaise” speech, July 1979. But we know that democracy is always an unfinished creation. Each generation must renew its foundations. Each generation must rediscover the meaning of this hallowed vision in the light of its own modern challenges. For this generation, ours, life is nuclear survival; liberty is human rights; the pursuit of happiness is a planet whose resources are devoted to the physical and spiritual nourishment of its inhabitants. — Farewell Address, January 1981. We appreciate the past. We are grateful for the present and we’re looking forward to the future with great anticipation and commitment. — October 1986, at the dedication of the Carter Presidential Library and Museum. War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other’s children. — December 2002, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. Fundamentalists have become increasingly influential in both religion and government, and have managed to change the nuances and subtleties of historic debate into black-and-white rigidities and the personal derogation of those who dare to disagree. ... The influence of these various trends poses a threat to many of our nation’s historic customs and moral commitments, both in government and in houses of worship. — From 2005 book “Our Endangered Values.” I think that this breakthrough by Barack Obama has been remarkable. When he made his speech (on race) a few months ago in Philadelphia, I wept. I sat in front of the television and cried, because I saw that as the most enlightening and transforming analysis of racism and a potential end of it that I ever saw in my life. — August 2008, commenting on then-Sen. Barack Obama’s candidacy. I think it’s based on racism. There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president. ... No matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect. — September 2009, reacting to Rep. Joe Wilson’s shout of “You lie!” during a speech to Congress by President Barack Obama. I’m still determined to outlive the last guinea worm. — 2010, on The Carter Center’s work to eradicate guinea worm disease. You know how much I raised to run against Gerald Ford? Zero. You know how much I raised to run against Ronald Reagan? Zero. You know how much will be raised this year by all presidential, Senate and House campaigns? $6 billion. That’s 6,000 millions. — September 2012, reacting to the 2010 “Citizens United” U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting unlimited third-party political spending. I have become convinced that the most serious and unaddressed worldwide challenge is the deprivation and abuse of women and girls, largely caused by a false interpretation of carefully selected religious texts and a growing tolerance of violence and warfare, unfortunately following the example set during my lifetime by the United States. — From 2014 book “A Call to Action.” I don’t think there’s any doubt now that the NSA or other agencies monitor or record almost every telephone call made in the United States, including cellphones, and I presume email as well. We’ve gone a long way down the road of violating Americans’ basic civil rights, as far as privacy is concerned. — March 2014, commenting on U.S. intelligence monitoring after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks We accept self-congratulations about the wonderful 50th anniversary – which is wonderful – but we feel like Lyndon Johnson did it and we don’t have to do anything anymore. — April 2014, commenting on racial inequality during a celebration of the Civil Rights Act’s 40th anniversary. I had a very challenging question at Emory (University) the other night: “How would you describe the United States of America today in one word?” And I didn’t know what to say for a few moments, but I finally said, “Searching.” I think the country in which we live is still searching for what it ought to be, and what it can be, and I’m not sure we’re making much progress right at this moment. — October 2014 during a celebration of his 90th birthday. The life we have now is the best of all. We have an expanding and harmonious family, a rich life in our church and the Plains community, and a diversity of projects at The Carter Center that is adventurous and exciting. Rosalynn and I have visited more than 145 countries, and both of us are as active as we have ever been. We are blessed with good health and look to the future with eagerness and confidence, but are prepared for inevitable adversity when it comes. — From 2015 book, “A Full Life.”

(Bloomberg) -- Daniel Chapo, Mozambique’s incoming president, plans national-reconciliation talks to resolve an escalating political crisis that has resulted in the deaths of dozens of people and stalled growth in the gas-rich nation. The Constitutional Council on Monday proclaimed Chapo the winner of the Oct. 9 election with 65% of the vote, triggering renewed unrest in parts of the southeast African nation. The 47-year-old lawyer and former provincial governor expects to be inaugurated on Jan. 15. “I am launching a national-reconciliation and dialogue initiative,” Chapo said in an interview hours after the top electoral court confirmed his landslide win. “That will bring together political leaders, civil society and communities to address grievances, foster understanding and build trust.” The intensifying turmoil has curtailed mining operations and threatens to further delay a $20 billion natural gas export plan that TotalEnergies SE is leading. It has disrupted flights, with tourists deterred by rioting that’s now spread to the port cities of Beira and Nacala. “There is significant ongoing unrest across Mozambique following the October elections and the confirmation of the results,” the UK government said in an advisory to travelers. Standard Bank Group Ltd.’s local unit expects an economic contraction this quarter and next, which would add pressure to already-strained state finances. Local broadcasters showed mobs attacking at least three bank branches near the capital, Maputo, and torching the ruling party’s office in a town north of the city. Neighboring South Africa called on all parties in Mozambique to commit to an “urgent dialogue” and stands ready to facilitate talks, the government in Pretoria said in a statement. Protesters overnight set fire to the offices of the governing Mozambique Liberation Front, known as Frelimo, in the town of Macia, about 110 kilometers (68 miles) north of Maputo. Demonstrators blocked various roads with burning tires, while footage shared on social media showed buildings — including government institutions and a bank branch — in flames. More Fatalities Local observer group Decide Platform said 16 had died since Monday evening. It earlier counted at least 130 fatalities since the protests began in late October, with most caused by police firing on the crowds. The most obvious route to restoring peace would be negotiating a truce with the fiery opposition presidential candidate, who has orchestrated the protests via live stream since fleeing the country of almost 35 million on Oct. 21. Venâncio Mondlane, who the top electoral court said got 24% of the vote, called the elections fraudulent and on Tuesday said the demonstrations wouldn’t stop. He is open to international mediation, he said in his latest update. Sign up for the twice-weekly Next Africa newsletter for the latest business and economic news from the continent. Chapo is not yet in power and will only initiate talks with other political leaders including Mondlane after the inauguration, the president-elect said. He hasn’t considered including the opposition in a unity government and would have to consult his party first, he added. Frelimo has been in power since independence 49 years ago. Mondlane said in a previous interview he would consider forming a national unity government, but wouldn’t accept any position himself under Frelimo’s rule. Local and international election observers raised concerns over vote rigging, including signs of ballot-box stuffing. While the Constitutional Council acknowledged irregularities, it said they woould not have changed the outcome. The US State Department called the process “flawed.” “We don’t have any elections without irregularities in the world,” Chapo said when asked if the outcome called into question his legitimacy to govern. Frelimo denied it rigged the vote. Besides the unrest, Chapo will take over a government struggling to pay its bills. He plans on restoring peace as a priority to getting the economy back on track. He also committed to policy and legal stability for companies operating large projects in the country, including natural gas, telling investors: “Don’t worry about it.” “Mozambique remains a land of immense opportunity,” said Chapo. “It is very important to maintain the contract situation with these companies, our law.” More From Chapo Interview: You can follow Bloomberg’s reporting on Africa on WhatsApp. Sign up here. --With assistance from Borges Nhamire and Ntando Thukwana. (Updates with more from Chapo interview at end of story.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com ©2024 Bloomberg L.P.Biden says Assad's fall in Syria is 'fundamental act of justice ' but 'a moment of risk'

The Latest: Former President Jimmy Carter Is Dead at Age 100

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New Year is always such a overwhelming time, full of anxieties regarding what's about to come, what's about to change, what's the next thing to happen, however, it is important to hold a neutral position about what's to come, and it would be even better if one finds things to look forward to. Here are the top 10 things you can await with pleasure over the next year. Future of TikTok? Congress has overwhelmingly passed legislation for TikTok to be banned from US app stores by January 19 unless Beijing-based ByteDance sells its stake. However, after they appealed to the Supreme Court on grounds that the ban violates First Amendment rights to free speech, the court will hear the case on January 10th. Yet, with Trump's aligned conservatives in the court and Trump himself batting for the app saying, "We got to keep this sucker around for a little while", it will be interesting to see if both US and ByteDance's concerns could be satisfied. Photo Credit: Reuters NASA announced that the stranded astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will be coming back to Earth by March 2025, after yet another delay. The astronauts had left for the ISS on June 5th 2024, aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft as a part of a test flight, with plans to return back to Earth a week later, but technical issues in the spacecraft delayed their return. Photo Credit: Reuters Brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher are reuniting for an Oasis Live 2025 tour after a 15-year-long feud between them. The tour will begin on July 4th, 2025 in Cardiff, Wales, although the band has promised more dates outside the UK later in the year. This finally answers one of rock's biggest will-they-won't-they questions. In a release, they stated, "There has been no great revelatory moment that has ignited the reunion - just the gradual realisation that the time is right." Photo Credit: @Oasis on Instagram Although the release date of Grand Theft Auto VI has not been disclosed, it is expected to fall sometime in fall 2025. The game has already broken a Guinness World Record for most-viewed video game reveal with its trailer with more than 168 million views. Grand Theft Auto V, has sold over 190 million units. Photo Credit: @gta6ixofficial on Instagram The 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 30) will convene in November 2025 in Belém, Brazil, and will include the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 30). but ironically, the meeting might harm the environment. A new highway, Avenida Liberdade, has been approved for the facilitation of traffic into and out of Belém, that will cut through its protected area, and disturb wildlife movement. Session of COP 28 in Dubai, where COP 30 was formalized in Brazil, in Belém Italy's capital is gearing up for a spectacular celebration as the Catholic Church's Jubilee returns in 2025. This momentous event, which occurs every 25 years, is expected to draw millions of devout pilgrims to the city. The festivities will commence on December 24, 2024, with a symbolic ceremony: the Opening of the Holy Door. One of the highlights of the Jubilee is the historic Seven Churches Pilgrimage. This revered tradition, which dates back to the 16th century, involves a 25km journey on foot through the city and surrounding countryside, visiting seven major basilicas along the way. Photo Credit: Reuters Osaka is preparing to host the World Expo in 2025, 55 years after setting a record for the best-attended Expo of the 20th century in 1970. The city is determined to surpass its previous success, and its plans are nothing short of impressive. Renowned Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto has designed a breathtaking centerpiece for the Expo: a 20-meter-high, 2-kilometer-long Grand Ring that will encircle the entire site. Visitors will be able to walk along the ring, taking in stunning views of the Expo and Osaka Bay. With its unique blend of architecture, technology, and international collaboration, Expo 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience. Photo Credit: @expo2025japan on Instagram 2025 will be an exciting year for television shows as the most anticipated shows are returning after quite some gap. Be it comedies, mysteries or dramas, the year will be a jam-packed one. Yellowjackets (survival thriller and drama) will be returning with a Season 3 of the show. The show will premiere on February 16th, 2025. The White Lotus (dark comedy, social satire) will be returning in February 2025, and will be set in Thailand. The Handmaid's Tale (dystopian fiction), based on the novel by Margaret Atwood, will also be released in 2025 with Season 6 of the show. This will be the final season for the show. The Last Of Us (post-apocalyptic drama) is a zombie drama series based on a video game of the same name, which became HBO's most watched debut season. Stranger Things (supernatural action-drama) will wrap up its final season on Netflix. The series pays homage to Stephen King and Steven Spielberg. The fourth season was the second-most-streamed Netflix show of all time. Photo Credit: @strangerthingstv on Instagram Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, the eight movie of the franchise sees the 62 year old Tom Cruise reprise his role as Ethan Hunt. It will pick up from where 2022's Dead Reckoning Part One left off. Superman, which sees David Corenswet play the 25-year-old version of DC character, is given the title "Chapter One: Gods and Monsters". Rachel Brosnahan stars as Lois Lane in the movie. 28 Years Later, starring Cillian Murphy, is a zombie apocalypse movie bringing the undead to run. This is the first in a planned trilogy. Snow White, co-written by Greta Gerwig stars Rachel Zegler in the titular role with Gal Gadot playing the Evil Queen. Michael, Lionsgate's most anticipated movie of the year, is a biographical film chronicling the life of Michael Jackson. The movie stars the pop icon's nephew, Jaafar Jackson. Photo Credit: @28yearslatermovie on Instagram How to Sleep at Night by Elizabeth Harris; the book follows a couple who have grown apart because of their political differences. The book is about romantic and sibling love, how identities evolve over time, ambition and monogamy. Three Days in June by Anne Tyler; this is the Pulitzer prize winning author's 25th novel, which revolves around a marriage story, not something one would quite expect. Tilt by Emma Pattee, is a natural disaster adventure novel that anxieties surrounding motherhood, marriage and career. The Next Day by Melinda French Gates; a memoir in which she explores themes of life's changes, becoming a parent and recent departure from a foundation she started with her ex-husband Bill Gates. Matriarch: A Memoir by Tina Knowles; Beyonce and Solange's mother tells her story through this book, about how she raises superstar daughters and the challenges that come along the way, basically how she came to be one of the most famous moms in the world. Photo Credit: @melindafrenchgates on InstagramBEFORE you do the “New Year, New Me” half-hearted resolutions, splurge on these beauty products, apparel and accessories to bid adieu to 2024 in style: • BURT’S BEES. Mindfully made in Maine, USA, Burt’s Bees deserves the buzz it has been generating among responsible beauty aficionados. The ingredients in each of its products is said to be “chosen for its proven ability to replenish and strengthen a healthy skin barrier. That means only the good stuff, and absolutely none of the bad, for hydrated and happy skin.” A Bit of Burt’s Bees (P495) comes in ornament-style packaging with a to/from section, a charming gift that include Beeswax Lip Balm with Hand Salve, and Cranberry Spritz Lip Balm with Hand Salve. • YVES ROCHER. For Yves Rocher, self-care is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself and to others. The global French brand knows that Filipinos appreciate its botanical products for being cruelty-free, sulfate-free, colorant-free and eco-conscious, besides being safe and gentle for sensitive skin. Starting at P249, the winter floral-themed boxes include shower gel and lotion sets, and hand creams such as the bestselling Olive Petitgrain, Vanilla, Mango, Raspberry, and new scents like Wild Algue. • AVON REGINA BRA. Besides being a beauty behemoth, Avon is fast becoming a leading player in intimate apparel. Its comfortable and stylish bras and panties “flatter and empower women.” The Regina underwire convertible molded T-shirt bra, for example, is said to be so beloved that it is sold every other minute. a LEVI’S AT SM MAKATI. A standout feature at the reopened Levi’s store in SM Makati is the Tailor Shop, where you can jazz up and personalize your denims to express more your personal style. An artist, who will bring every denim lover’s customization dreams to life, can add patches, embroidery and other creative touches to make your Levi’s outfit unique. • 9LIVES X VISION EXPRESS. Here’s an eye-catching collaboration: acclaimed actress and fashionista Nadine Lustre designs an eyewear collection called 9Lives for the optical retail shop Vision Express. The diverse, stylish and affordable frames embody the tagline “For Everybody.” The 9Lives collection features classic to contemporary frame styles to complement different face shapes and preferences. Customers have the option to personalize their lenses to highlight their individuality, while Vision Express provides in-store services to facilitate this customization. • DITA LANCIER. With a mission to help people “see the world better without sacrificing style,” chic eyewear brand Dita Lancier promises to provide timeless designs with advanced lens technology for optimal vision in any environment—land, sea, or air. Vision Express exclusively carries the brand The fall/winter line offers frames crafted from premium materials such as titanium and acetate, and features anti-slip rubber nose pads and temples to rest comfortable on any nose shape. The collection comes in square, rectangle, round and aviator frame shapes with lens in three colors: land (brown), sea (gray), and air (green). • CARENOLOGY95. Korean Care + Knowledge about skin care comes to the country through Carenology95. “We decided to bring Carenology to the Philippines because of its quality and proven effectiveness. It prioritizes the use of natural ingredients and cutting-edge technology which align with the needs of Filipinos seeking quality Korean skincare solutions,” said Dianne Gonzales, director of MMG Enterprises, the official distributor of the brand. Dr. Lim Ee Seok, the founder, swear by the brand’s proven effectiveness, as it uses a blue carbon oil of which 1g worth comes from 2,000 blue tansy flowers from Morocco whose benefits include skin antioxidants, anti-aging, complexion improvement, redness relief, and sebum improvement. The Re: Blue, the signature line, nourishes and moisturizes skin, quenching skin thirst and leaving it extra hydrated. This writer is a beauty, celebrity and fashion columnist for BusinessMirror, and did fashion editorials and celebrity profiles for D+, its monthly supplement. As much as possible the column, called Tota Pulchra, only deals with the good, the great and the glamorous.

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Huntley fills in for injured Tagovailoa, leads Dolphins past Browns 20-3 to keep playoff hopes aliveThe Vancouver Canucks may be without captain Quinn Hughes longer than initially expected. Both Hughes and Elias Pettersson are suffering from undisclosed injuries that forced both of them to miss Saturday’s game against the Seattle Kraken. that the belief is that neither injury is considered serious and that both Hughes and Pettersson will not be out long-term. That is certainly good news for the Canucks, but head coach Rick Tocchet painted a slightly different picture this afternoon. He told media that both Pettersson and Hughes will not join the team on their upcoming road trip to Calgary and Seattle. However, when he got into timelines, it appeared that Hughes is a bit further away than Petey. “They aren’t gonna make the trip. Petey is probably a week away... Quinn is probably week-to-week,” Tocchet said. Pettersson being a week away from returning to action would put him in line to miss at least the next three Canucks games, including the two-game road trip and Friday’s game against the Nashville Predators. The more concerning part is Tocchet listing Hughes as being week-t0-week, making it possible he could miss more than a week of action. Hughes is the heartbeat of this Vancouver squad and the undisputed leader of the defensive corps. Having him out of the lineup for an extended period will have a profound effect on this team on and off the ice. Add that to the fact that the Canucks are already missing Filip Hronek due to injury and all of a sudden, the blueline is looking rather thin. Though, this is a group who should be used to playing without their star players with both Thatcher Demko and J.T. Miller being out for long stretches this season. It’s not clear what kind of injuries Pettersson and Hughes are suffering from. The team has not provided any clear picture of the nature of either injury, but there are some theories. Pettersson took a spill into the end-boards against the San Jose Sharks before the holiday break and appeared to hit his shoulder at an awkward angle while Hughes is reportedly fighting through something affecting his hand, . Add this to the heaps of adversity that this Vancouver squad has already gone through over the first three months of the season. If they can weather this one, they should be in a good position going into the new year.